Catherine Mead

Catherine (Cathy) Mead, age 86 of Cresco, Iowa formerly of Aplington, Iowa was born in Palo Alto County, Emmetsburg, Iowa on June 25, 1934, the daughter of Walter and Bertha (Riley) Heddinger. She graduated from Rolfe High School in 1951. After graduation, she worked in the bookkeeping department at Clay Equipment Company, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and was also a bookkeeper for Potter Ice Cream and Locker Company, Waterloo, Iowa.
She was united in marriage to Clarence (Chuck) Mead in Waterloo, Iowa in 1954. To this union two daughters, Deb and Julie, were born. The family lived in Kesley, Iowa from 1956 -1977 at which time Cathy and Chuck moved to Aplington, Iowa.
Cathy worked at Chuck’s Food Market in Kesley, was a clerk at the Kesley Post Office, later becoming Postmaster; was secretary to her husband’s roofing and rental business; and worked as a bookkeeper for Mead’s Grocery in Dike and New Hartford. Cathy enjoyed entertaining friends and family, playing cards, and attending gospel concerts. Grandchildren visits were a joy to her.
Cathy passed away October 19, 2020, at Hancock County Health System in Britt, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence of 50 years in 2004; her parents; three sisters, Bernice Payer, Eileen Allen and Lucille Johnson; and four brothers, Merle, Marvin, Delbert and Dale Heddinger.
Cathy is survived by two daughters, Deb (Mark) Blythe of Aplington and Julie Devine of Clear Lake; five grandchildren, Jeff (Sara) Blythe, Cresco, Nikki Blythe (friend, Jason McInville), Urbandale, Angela Devine, Phoenix, AZ, Melissa Devine, Urbandale and Langdon (Laura) Devine, Clear Lake; nine great-grandchildren, Jadyn, Kristalyn, Addison, Mikara, Easton, Norah, Grace, Alyssa and Andy; one sister, Darlene Weishaar, Oelwein; one sister-in-law, Joyce Heddinger, Fort Dodge; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at Aplington Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Aplington with Pastor Doug Hull officiating. Organist was Leneé Pollock and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “How Great Thou Art” and “Just As I Am”. Vocalist was Randy Aalderks and he sang “O What A Savior” and “Because He Lives”. Scriptures read were Psalm 23 and John 14:1-6. Burial was held at Pleasant View Cemetery in Aplington with Don Heddinger, Jim Eckhoff, Larry Ulrich, Dave Krejchi and Langdon Devine serving as Casketbearers.
Visitation was held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Redman-Schwartz Funeral Chapel in Aplington was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redman-schwartz.com