Kathleen H. Needles

Kathleen Helen (Coleman) Needles, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, after a brief illness surrounded by her loving family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kathleen’s life was defined by faith, resilience, service and especially love. When she first laid eyes on husband, Gene, at Drake University, she told her friends, I’ve just met the man I’m going to marry. She was right - their love story spanned 71 beautiful years!

Her faith and delight in God’s creation were constant, from her cherished flower gardens to her deep love of dogs. Kathleen’s greatest joy was her family, and her warmth, humor, and grace enriched every life she touched.

As a lifelong mentor to women, Kathleen worked as a model, and fashion consultant for Younker’s department store before founding a business to help professional women dress with confidence. Later, her compassionate heart led her to become a certified addiction counselor, serving others through her work at Mercy Hospital’s recovery program.

Kathleen’s remarkable resilience carried her through life’s hardships, including the loss of her father, Leo, early in life and brother, Tommy, at age 26. For many years, she cared for her brother, Jack, and mother, Teresa, severely injured in a fire. Her deep faith inspired her service to St. Pius X and Christ the King parishes, and she was especially proud of helping with Pope John Paul II’s visit to Des Moines in 1979.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Gene; children Gene Jr. (Charlene), Colleen (Tom) Steward, and Carol (Chris) Kaas; grandchildren Tommy, Jack (Rylie), Annie (Stephen), Alex, Coleman (Molly), and Paige; and great-granddaughter Olivia Steward.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan.13, 12:30 PM, at St. Pius X Church, 3663 66th St, Urbandale, IA. Burial at Glendale Cemetery with a Reception to follow. Memorials may be directed to Catholic Charities (CatholicCharitiesDM.org)

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