Mary “Kathy” Kellogg, age 66 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Bethany Home in Dubuque, surrounded by her loving family.  To celebrate Kathy’s life, a private family service will be held at Bethany Home for her family and friends.  Burial will be in the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Dubuque.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Kathy’s family.

Kathy was born on February 4, 1953 in Dubuque, one of nine children to Paul J. and Cleo C. (Schmitt) Durkin.  She was a gentle and fun-loving soul from her earliest years and these traits never seemed to fade until her health issues arose later in life.  Kathy valued family above all and when she was able to begin one of her own, she really began to shine.  A little time roller skating with her sons was always a welcome addition to her daily agenda and if they were able to complete the day with an evening at the drive-in movies together you could be sure that Kathy would mark that day in the books as a complete success.  She was also very social at work and her nearly 20 years as the “Cadillac of Waitresses” car hop at the Point Drive-In were some of the most rewarding working hours anyone would ever have been blessed to experience.  Liking your job, enjoying the people you work with, and finding continual satisfaction with the customers you are serving is a trifecta that most folks will never get to experience.  Kathy not only appreciated the opportunities she had been given, but also understood the value and rarity of all of them.

Kathy was well known for her free spirit and natural ability to make the most of everyday.  Never one to be pinned down, you could quite often watch her standing in conversations with one knee on the chair and her eye on the door.  Life was something Kathy was full of and she wasn’t going to relinquish her zeal for it without a fight.  Sadly, early onset Alzheimer’s was the diagnosis she would have to face in time and this once vibrant and beautiful woman would now have to slowly face a new reality.  The years would pass by and her inner light would slowly fade, but through it all you could still see that her tender heart would never surrender.  We are burdened with heavy hearts today knowing that her spark has finally flickered out, but we find peace in knowing that her earthly struggles have now ceased and that she may even have the chance to sing a duet with Elvis among the heavenly angels as her new perfect and eternal state of being begins.  Thank you, Kathy for being you and may all of the memories, examples and love you’ve left behind bring us peace and comfort during our time apart.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Kathy include,

her 2 adored sons,

Jeffrey J. “Jeff” (Cyndi) Travis, Elgin, Illinois,

and Cody A. Kellogg, Chicago, Illinois;

her siblings,

JoAnn Francois, Dubuque, Iowa,

Kim Burdt, Dubuque, Iowa,

Michael (Stephanie) Durkin, Silver Springs, Maryland,

and Tim (Kathy) Durkin, Dyersville, Iowa;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, William Plein, Marty (Sue) Durkin, Janie Feldman and Patrick Durkin in infancy.

Kathy’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Bethany Home, and Hospice of Dubuque for all of the professional and wonderful care and support they have provided to Kathy and her family.

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