Kay Louise Stukenholtz, 80, of Perry passed away in her home Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, Aug. 25 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry. Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 24 from 1-7 p.m., with family present from 5-7 p.m. with a Rosary held at 7 p.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care in Perry. Burial will be at the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry.
Kay was born in Nebraska City, Nebraska, on May 3, 1943. She was the daughter of Neal and Helen Mulligan.
Kay met the love of her life, Carl Stukenholtz, on her 15th birthday. That was just the beginning for this young couple. They were united in marriage three years later on Aug. 26, 1961, in Columbus, Nebraska. Together they welcomed four children, Michael, Jean, Phillip and Melissa.
Kay stayed at home and cared for her growing family, where she loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family. She also enjoyed gardening, knitting and crocheting, and her favorite hobby, sewing.
Kay worked at the Perry State Bank for a number of years and was on the board of Spring Valley Retirement Center as well as board director of Exchange State Bank of Adair.
She and Carl served in their local parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church in various capacities.
Kay had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. Her pleasant personality was contagious to everyone she met.
Kay took pleasure in designing and sending elaborate greeting cards for family and friend’s special occasions. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she always liked getting her handmade cards and letters sent out the first of December and then spent the rest of the month creating a quintessential Christmastime for her family that felt like that of a storybook.
Throughout their many travels abroad, without a doubt, the first trip to Europe was Kay’s once-in-a-lifetime experience. While visiting Vatican City, they got to go to the Pope’s summer home and see Pope John Paul II step out onto his balcony to bless all in attendance. It was a memorably emotional moment for Kay.
Kay was the heart of the home. She always made time for her family and was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. Her family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life and not the sadness of her passing.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of almost 62 years, Carl Stukenholtz; children, Mike and wife, Lura Stukenholtz, Jean and husband, Rick Hornsby, Phillip and wife, Megan Stukenholtz, and Melissa Stukenholtz; grandchildren, Tyler Nance, Amber Stukenholtz, Amanda and husband, Ben Joseph, Khrystyne and husband, Nate MacDougall, Luke Stukenholtz, Caleb and wife, Madelaine Hornsby, Sierra Stukenholtz, Anna Hornsby, Ava Stukenholtz and Elijah Stukenholtz; great-grandchildren, Crew MacDougall, Kanynn MacDougall, Lincoln Stukenholtz, Cooper Stukenholtz, Ellie Hornsby and Caitlin Hornsby. Kay’s brother, Mike, and his wife, Vanora Mulligan; and her lifelong dearest friend, Sally Juliano; along with nieces; nephews; other relatives; and many friends.
In death she rejoins her parents, Neal and Helen; sister, Betty Stapp; niece, Lisa Archer; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Rollan and Walburga Stukenholtz.
Memorials will be given to the Raccoon River Pet Rescue and may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person with so much love.