Kay Ann (Burger) Marten, of West Des Moines, passed peacefully into heaven Saturday evening, July 11, surrounded by her loved ones.
Kay was born Oct. 19, 1937, in Ida Grove to Albert and Ruby Burger, and grew up in Jefferson.
Kay attended the big old grade school. That terrifying first day move from fourth to the fifth grade, a floor above, was made easier when she looked up those stairs and standing at the top leaning against the post was a confident tall boy wearing round brown plastic glasses, staring down at her. He smiled, she felt it and that was it — he was her world for the rest of her life!
Kay excelled on the clarinet and Denny on the trumpet, so they often walked together to the big high school to play in the marching band and orchestra. Both were first chair, both went to state level each year. Denny attended U of Iowa and Kay, Drake. They married July 8, 1956.
Over the years, Kay worked in various business offices in Des Moines and taught English courses at Des Moines Area Community College. Kay loved spending time with her family, playing the piano, shopping, camping and traveling with her grandchildren. She enjoyed the outdoors and passionately cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. She made every occasion special, and probably with matching decorations!
Shortly after retiring, Kay and Denny moved to Branson, Mo., where they lived happily for nine years before returning to Des Moines in 2013. Kay loved the music shows in Branson, learned to play golf, hosted many at their home, fished and enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends.
Kay is survived by her husband of 64 years, Denny; daughter Debra (Kevin) Kading; son David (Karen) Marten; brother Bill (Sheri) Burger; sister-in-law Linda Marten; brother-in-law Tom (Diann) Marten; Cynthia Burger, sister-in-law; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
She was lovingly referred to as “Gigi” by her grandkids.
Kay was preceded in death by her parents; sister Julie (Ted)Riley; brother Jon Burger; sister-in-law Norma (Richard)Smith; great-granddaughters Emma and Madison Bright.
Several small celebration-of-life gatherings with family and friends will be held at later dates.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff on Powell 3 at Methodist Hospital and the John Stoddard Cancer Center for their endless care, compassion and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jefferson High School marching band, where Kay and Denny’s music first began.
Checks made out to:
Greene County School Foundation, memo “high school band,” 204 W. Madison St., Jefferson, IA 50129
Or to:
Venmo@JeffersonMarchingBand-memorial
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home is assisting the family.