Kathy L. Spear, age 64, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on January 22, 2021, at home, with her dear friends by her side.  To honor Kathy’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, June 12, 2021,at the Mines of Spain in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Kathy’s family.

Kathy was born on June 12, 1956, in Dubuque, Iowa, a daughter to Eugene C. and Kathleen M. (Schwendinger) Heeren.  She was born with a beautiful heart and soul and would share it so generously with the world around her throughout her entire 64 years among us.  Kathy’s passion in life was gardening through and through.  She eventually transformed her gifts in the garden into a viable business and became the proud owner of Kathy Spear Landscaping almost 20 years ago now.  Her vision and creations can be seen all over town and her last Parade of Ponds was the perfect culmination of all of the countless hours she had devoted to her dream.  Kathy was also known for her desire to live a natural and holistic lifestyle.  The wealth of knowledge she had gained over the years, especially when it came to essential oils, was simply amazing to everyone she helped.  Kathy viewed the world as a palate of positive potentials which only had to be explored, embraced, and embarked upon as each opportunity presented itself.  Kathy’s love for rocks and gems was also quite legendary and some of her fondest moments were found within her collection and attendance at the shows.  Kathy also enjoyed traveling, and wintering in Tucson with Jerry, always enjoying the time they had to simply relax and enjoy some quality time together.  We must not forget about Kathy’s love for cats as well.  She had 2 cuddling companions around her at all times and never missed a chance to cast a little love into their days, just as they did for her.  It’s quite difficult to imagine that Kathy has been called home so soon, but she surely didn’t go without a fight.  The last two years have been faced head on and with relentless determination, no matter what the cancer would throw at her next.  We are beyond blessed to have known and loved such an amazing fighter and will treasure forever every single memory which Kathy leaves behind.  We pray now that our prayers for peace from her earthly struggles have been answered and may the healing and loving hands of her Lord and Savior hold her securely until we meet again.  Thank you, Kathy, for knowing how to turn the minutes into moments and for never letting your light dim…not even a little!           

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Kathy include,

her son,

Kevin J. Fox, Epworth, Iowa;

her parents,

Eugene “Gene” Heeren, Dubuque, Iowa;

and Kathleen Schwendinger, Saint George, South Carolina;

her sisters,

Barb (Gene) Buhr, Faribault, Minnesota;

Tina (Mark) Linden, Cuba City, Wisconsin;

and Gina (Dan Sr.) Bonnett, Goodyear, Arizona;

her special friends,

Jerry Volk, Cascade, Iowa;

and Chris (Desiree) Bibb, Dubuque, Iowa;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Kathy’s family would like to thank everyone who has helped Kathy throughout her courageous battle with cancer, especially the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, for all of their professional, compassionate, and tender care of Kathy during her most difficult days.  

Online condolences may be shared with Kathy’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com