Cathy Lynn Fencl, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Unity Point Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa. She was 74 years old.

Born on July 7, 1951, in Cedar Falls to Donald and Elizabeth (Arends) Caley, Cathy’s roots ran deep in her beloved hometown. She was raised in Cedar Falls and proudly graduated from Janesville High School in 1969. It was not long after that pivotal chapter in her life that she met Dale Fencl. Their love story blossomed and culminated in a joyful wedding celebrated on a cruise. Dale passed away a few years ago. 

Cathy’s work journey began at Kwik Star and later led her to a fulfilling 14-year career at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino, from which she retired. But it was beyond her professional life where her true spirit shone brightest. Cathy’s warmth, generosity, and unwavering kindness were known to all who crossed her path. She was the kind of person who would lend a hand without hesitation—offering a home-cooked meal or a place to stay to those in need, embodying compassion in its purest form.

In her free moments, Cathy found immense joy in simple pleasures: camping beneath the open sky, fishing by quiet waters, and expressing her love through baking and cooking. Most of all, her heart thrived in the company of her grandchildren—John Jr., Clarence, Tristan, and Trinity—whom she adored and cared for wholeheartedly. Her family was expanded further with the blessing of one great-grandchild, a new generation to be nurtured by her loving legacy.

Cathy also shared a deep bond with her beloved pets, Cooper, her treasured dog, and Spirit, her favorite cat, both companions who brought her comfort and joy.

Her family mourns the loss of a remarkable woman who was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Elizabeth; her husband, Dale Fencl; and her brother, Norman Caley. Yet, her spirit lives on in those who loved her dearly. She leaves behind her daughter, Tangela (Cody Dalton) Green, of Cedar Falls; her sister, Bonnie (Larry) Hughes, also of Cedar Falls; her beloved grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her best friends Julie Pauling of San Antonio, Texas, and Frankie Knight, of Cedar Falls, IA, who shared countless moments of friendship and support.

A celebration of Cathy’s life will take place on April 18th at 3:00 p.m. at Mary Lou’s Bar and Grill. It will be a time to gather, to remember, and to honor the warmth and kindness that Cathy Lynn Fencl so freely gave to all.

Though she is no longer with us, Cathy’s legacy of love, generosity, and heartfelt connection will endure in the hearts of her family and friends, inspiring all who knew her to carry forward the light she so brightly shone.