M. Kathleen Wharff

Kathleen Wharff, 88, entered into eternal life on Saturday, October 8, 2011, at Bishop Drumm Care Center, surrounded by her loving family. She surrendered what she can never keep for the sake of what she can never lose.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, with burial to follow at Ankeny Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 11, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the church.

Born July 22, 1923, in Des Moines, Iowa, Mary Kathleen Allen was the daughter of Theodore (Curly) and Helen M. Allen. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from North High School. On March 2, 1946, she was united in marriage to Bill Wharff.

Kathleen retired in 2000 after a successful, award-winning 32-year career in real estate, including ten years as the marketing director for Maplewood Village condominiums in Ankeny. She was a founding member of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Church in Ankeny. After retirement she enjoyed volunteering at Mercy Medical Center, but mostly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was always first and foremost, a mother of limitless love and commitment!

Survivors include her children, Fr. Jonah (Tom) Wharff, o.c.s.o. of New Melleray Abbey near Dubuque, Paul (Juli Duncan) Wharff of Overland Park, KS, and Sue (Randy) Garvey of Ankeny; four grandchildren, Nate Garvey, Holly Garvey, Jed Garvey, and Scott Garvey; and great-grandson, Jonah Garvey. She was also an honorary grandmother to countless children, and loving aunt to numerous nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill; sons, Stephen and John; brother, Francis (Curly) Allen; and sister, Margaret Cota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Bishop Drumm Care Center, Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, or Mercy Hospice.

Online condolences may be directed to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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