Kathleen Thea (Wee) Martin, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Waterloo, Iowa. She was 63 years old. Born on April 1, 1963, in Burlington, Iowa, Kathy was the cherished daughter of Duane and Audrey (Shackelford) Wee. When Kathleen was just three years old, her family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa, where she would spend her formative years and develop the strong, compassionate spirit that marked her life.

A proud graduate of Cedar Falls High School in 1981, Kathy continued her education at Waldorf University in Forest City, Iowa. Following her graduation, she dedicated herself to nurturing and caring for children and the elderly. Her compassion and dedication took her to an infant daycare center, a nursing home and another daycare before she found her long-term home at AEA 267, Castle Hill, and eventually at Rivers Hills School in Cedar Falls, where she retired after many years of devoted service.

In October 1997, Kathy’s life took a beautiful turn when she attended a singles group at Nazareth Lutheran Church, her lifelong church family. It was there she met John Martin, the love of her life. They were married on April 8, 2000, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Waterloo, Iowa. Together, Kathy and John shared 26 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and mutual support. Their greatest joy was their son, Christopher, who remains a beacon of their shared love and devotion.

Kathy’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. In recent years, she found spiritual solace and community at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls, where she deepened her connection to God.

Beyond her commitments to family and faith, Kathy cherished simple pleasures that brought her joy. She was an avid crafter, a passionate scrapbooker, and loved spending hours immersed in word finds and playing her favorite games on her phone. Her heart also belonged to her beloved dogs, who were constant companions and sources of comfort.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Duane and Audrey Wee; her brother, Michael Wee; and her grandparents. She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, John Martin, of Waterloo, Iowa; her beloved son, Christopher Martin, of Cedar Falls, Iowa; and her two caring sisters, Debbie Wee and Becky Wee, both of Waterloo, Iowa. Kathy’s life was also enriched by numerous family members and friends who treasured her generous spirit and warm heart.

The family invites all who knew Kathy to join in remembering her life and legacy. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, located at 965 Home Plaza in Waterloo, Iowa. The funeral service will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Waterloo Memorial Park Cemetery, 3430 W 4th St, followed promptly by her burial at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Kathleen Martin’s life was a radiant example of love, faith, and unwavering kindness. She leaves behind a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing and her spirit live on in the grace she so freely shared.