Memorial

Kathy Safley, 76, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2025, at University of Iowa Hospitals, surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Cedar Memorial Stateroom in Cedar Rapids. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, with an additional visitation beginning at 10:00 am, one hour prior to the service. The service will be officiated by Pastor Craig Brown of First Lutheran Church. A livestream will be available at 11:00 am at cedarmemorial.com/obituary under Kathy’s obituary - click the Video tab to view.

Kathy was born on July 2, 1948, in Cedar Rapids to Alfred and Arlene (Churchill) Kroymann. She graduated from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School (Class of ‘66), and earned her degree from Mount Mercy College in 1972. Over the years, she built a career as a dedicated bookkeeper and accountant, most recently working with Abbott Osborn Jacobs PLC.

Kathy met her husband, Tom, in junior high school at First Lutheran Church. Their friendship grew over time, and after Kathy invited Tom to her senior prom, their story truly began. They were married on April 20, 1968, in Cedar Rapids and had three children: Susan, Lisa, and Brian. They recently celebrated 57 wonderful years of marriage with family in Kansas City, enjoying Easter brunch at Harvey’s at Union Station — one of their favorite traditions.

Kathy loved NASCAR, the Iowa Hawkeyes, baking birthday cakes and pumpkin bread, and ensuring every gathering had plenty of relishes, side dishes, and desserts. Above all, she loved her family. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, attend their events, and cheer them on in every way. She especially enjoyed all of the road trips she took with Tom and their children throughout the years. Kathy never forgot those she lost and took great pride in making flower wreaths and bouquets for their gravesites each year. 

Kathy is survived by her husband, Tom; children, Susan (Kevin) Cano of Cedar Rapids, Lisa (David) Callender of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Brian (Karen) Safley of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Brandon, Justin, and Colin Cano, Matthew and Morgan Callender, and Krissy Horton and Addilyn Safley; brother, Kraig (Marsha) Kroymann of Swisher, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Arlene Kroymann; sister-in-law, Kristy (Schroeder) Kroymann; and parents-in-law, Robert and Jean Safley.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Last Hope Animal Rescue (adopthope.org/donate), in Kathy’s name, in honor of her love for animals and the many beloved furbabies she and Tom adopted over the years.