Kathryn J. Hemeyer

Kathryn Jane Glarner Hemeyer was born to Doris and Milo Glarner on July 11, 1939. The youngest of three daughters, following sisters Jean and Carolyn, Katy was a treasured gift from the Lord from the very beginning. She went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 13, 2026, after spending her final days, including her 87th birthday, at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Throughout her 86 years, Katy touched countless lives through her kindness, faith, and unique ability to recognize the gifts in others. She had a special way of encouraging people to discover their purpose and share God's unconditional love.

Katy grew up in Raymondville, Texas, where she attended school and was an enthusiastic member of the high school band. As a drum majorette, she loved performing and twirling her baton. Those who knew her later in life would not be surprised to learn that she enjoyed being one of the "twirly girls," as her vibrant personality and love of life were evident from an early age.

She later attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she met the love of her life, Roy Lee Hemeyer. He was a charming busboy, and she was a beautiful young waitress. Following their college years, they were married on December 29, 1960, in Texas and began their life together. They first moved to Chicago, where Roy worked as an engineer and where they started their family.

Roy's career eventually took the family to Missouri and later Kansas. Along the way, Katy and Roy were blessed with three children: Suzanne, Gary, and Bryan. During these years, Katy devoted herself to raising her family while also actively serving her community through Christian Women's Club and her church. She mentored many women in their journeys of faith and devoted countless hours to sharing the love of Christ through ministry and service.

While living in Kansas, Katy and Roy felt called to help establish Blue Valley Baptist Church with four other families. Together they built a church community centered on faith, fellowship, and service. Katy taught Sunday School, helped lead Vacation Bible School, and influenced generations of children through her example and unwavering faith.

One of Katy's greatest passions was working with children with special needs. Teaching, tutoring, and caring for these students became a lifelong calling, and she dedicated more than 40 years to helping them learn, grow, and recognize their own God-given abilities.

In retirement, Roy and Katy moved to Colorado to be closer to family and to spend time at one of their favorite places, their cabin near Breckenridge. Surrounded by the majesty of the Rocky Mountains, Katy found continual inspiration in God's creation. In July 2016, Roy passed away after battling Parkinson's disease, leaving behind the love story they had shared for more than five decades.

Left to honor Katy's life and legacy are her children, Suzanne Dahlquist; Gary Hemeyer and wife Christina Medrano-Hemeyer; and Bryan Hemeyer and wife Chelle Hemeyer. She was a proud grandmother to Riley Dahlquist Zuniga and husband Blake Zuniga, Luke Dahlquist and wife Lauren Dahlquist, Kamran Martin and husband Tate Martin, Garrett Hemeyer, Juliet "Juju" Hemeyer, Cydney Gunnerson and husband Garrett Gunnerson, and Blake Hemeyer and wife Sidney Hemeyer. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Tatum and Knox Martin, Grey Gunnerson, and Bodie Hemeyer.

Katy was first and foremost a child of God. She was a devoted teacher, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, loyal friend, and a spirited woman whose feisty nature, playful humor, and gift for making others laugh left a lasting impression. She will be remembered for her quick wit, distinctive sense of style, unwavering faith, and the joy she brought to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Today, we find comfort in knowing that Katy has been reunited with Roy and is walking in the presence of her Savior. Her love, faith, and example will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A celebration of Katy's life will be announced at a later date.

Rest in Peace, Katy.