Kathryn Degnan

Kathryn "Kay" Eckart Degnan, age 99, of Guttenberg, IA, died Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at the Guttenberg Care Center. She was born on October 20, 1915, in Guttenberg to Oscar Eckart and Irene Bunke Eckart. Kay received her education locally and later her BA in English with a minor in teaching from the University of Iowa. After college she taught high school English and playwriting in Glen Haven, WI and Monona, IA, and later was a long term substitute teacher in the Guttenberg School System. For the duration of WWII Kay was employed by the Red Cross as a recreational director for wounded soldiers in US Army hospitals. Immediately after the war, Kay was married to Leon John "Jack" Degnan on July 26, 1945. They were blessed with two daughters, Jane and Pamela. Kay made her home life and family her priorities. She was also enthusiastic about Girl Scouting and became involved as a leader before having her own children, and then led groups for both her daughters. She was an active member of her Guttenberg community, volunteering on behalf of many organizations including the Guttenberg Public Library Board of Directors, Legion Auxiliary, Hospital Auxiliary, Book Club and Ingleside Club for many years. She played a key role in expanding the Public Library into its own building at its current location. She loved Guttenberg but enjoyed traveling to Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland and Mexico. She played the clarinet and piano, enjoyed the visual arts and was an avid reader. Kay is survived by her two daughters, Jane (Roger) Martin and Pamela Degnan; five grandchildren, John (Sarah Beuning) Martin, Kathryn (Brian) Martin-Albright, Susan (Buddy) Touchinsky, Jacquelyn (Gregory) Huff, and Shannon Degnan; four great grandchildren, Lila Martin, Connor Albright, Megan Touchinsky, Gunnarr Huff and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Dorthea Eckart and Zella Kuenzel.In Lieu of flowers and all types of sympathy, memorials may be sent in honor of Kathryn Degnan to the Guttenberg Public Library, P.O. Box 130 Guttenberg, IA, 52052.Visitation: Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. November 22, 2014 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, IowaFuneral Service: Saturday 12:00 P.M. November 22, 2014 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, IowaInterment: Guttenberg City Cemetery Service Information A service summary is not available