Kathy Jergens, age 78 of Lake View, IA, passed away at her home on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. Kathleen Ann Schott was born on July 7, 1947, in Storm Lake, IA, to parents Walter and Ruth (Bittner) Schott. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Columbkilles Catholic Church in Varina, IA. Kathy grew up on a farm in Varina, and attended St. Columbkilles Catholic School through the eighth grade. She graduated from Pocahontas Catholic School in Pocahontas, IA, in 1965.
As a high-schooler, Kathy, being such a kind, caring and courageous young lady, made her way to Greenwood, Mississippi (a very racially polarized city at the time) with Pax Christi, a Catholic peace movement organization, for a month or so. It was a dangerous time for anyone in the area who supported racial equality. She then returned to support the mission after she graduated high school.
Upon her return home, Kathy attended Antonian School of Practical Nursing in Carroll, IA. She graduated from there as a Licensed Practical Nurse and went to work in Spirit Lake, IA. She was blessed with two children, Shane and Kira. Kathy then worked at the Pocahontas Hospital which is where she met Joe Jergens. The couple married on June 13, 1976, and were blessed with a daughter, Monica. They made their home in Lake View where they both worked and raised their family. They later divorced.
Kathy loved working as a nurse but for a short time worked at Lakewood Ballroom, before returning to nursing. It is there she met LeRoy Schoenthal. The two became friends and eventually significant others. They have spent the last thirty-five years together, happily.
Kathy loved so many things about life. Planting flowers and caring for them throughout the summer was huge for her. She loved her flowers! She was always the person behind the camera and insisted on getting photos of everything, as she loved having hard copies of them to look through whenever she wanted. She liked to read and would often times take a walk down to the lake with a book in hand. Kathy was an amazing cook and even better baker. She enjoyed watching Bob Ross on TV and quickly became a huge Hawkeye fan thanks to her favorite player #22, Caitlin Clark.
Kathy’s children meant the world to her. Her love for the three of them was evident and she was always, no matter what, there for them. She was a very proud Grandma who loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren. She supported them all by attending their activities and events. They always knew as the school bus drove by Grandma’s house with them in it, they would see her standing in her front porch waving a big wave. She had a crocheted purple bag that she carried treats for them in and always had an endless supply of M&M’s at her house.
Kathy enjoyed trips to the Amana Colonies, Wyoming, and South Dakota, just to name a few and visited her son in Georgia many times.
Her faith in the Lord was strong and while she will be very missed here on earth, rest assured, she is now pain/cancer-free living her most glorious life.
Kathy is survived by her children, Shane Jergens of Conyers, GA, Kira Jergens of Sac City, IA, and Monica (Mark) Blakeman of Readlyn, IA; grandchildren: Matthew Clark, Shelby Jergens, Amberly (Andrew) Van Hulzen, Zachary Jergens, Brooke Jergens, Dahni Jergens, Adam Blakeman, Jacob Blakeman, and Audrey Blakeman; three great-grandchildren and one more on the way; sisters Diane Fulcher of Storm Lake, IA, and Bonnie (Rick) Buelt of Fonda, IA; significant other LeRoy Schoenthal of Lake View, IA; many other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ruth Schott; infant sister; and brother-in-law Gary Fulcher.
