Kathy Ann Bobst

Kathy Ann Bobst, 72, of Hampton, Iowa passed away peacefully on December 13, 2017 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. Kathy was born May 8, 1945, the first child of Army Captain Pilot Robert and Virginia Becker of Plainfield, Iowa. Her siblings, all born in the following six years, are Linda Moeller of Readlyn, Bruce (Linda) Becker of Nashua, Bob (Lynda) Becker of Swaledale, Gini (Dave) Wilhelmi of Pine City, MN, and Dr. Todd (Shirlee) Becker of New Hampton. She was very engaged in her community, church, school, and athletics while growing up on the family farm in Plainfield. After starring in both basketball and softball, as well as winning the 4-H Hexom Award, she graduated valedictorian of her class at Plainfield Community School in 1963. Kathy went on to attend Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) and again graduated first in her class in 1967 with both a bachelor's and master's degree in business education in 1967. In the fall of 1967, she moved to Hampton, Iowa after accepting a teaching position at Hampton High School as a business instructor. She later became the office manager and real estate broker at Bobst Real Estate Service in 1969. It was there she met her future husband, James (Jim) W. Bobst. They were united in marriage on April 15, 1970. To this union bore two children: Angela Michele and John Albert. Kathy held positions at ProfiSeed, Inc. and would later take employment with the Hampton Publishing Company, and became a key contributor to the launch of the national publication, The Conservative Chronicle. Later, she was a founding committee member for Center One in Hampton and would serve as the adult education coordinator for North Iowa Area Community College. She later retired yet continued to manage Bobst Farms until the time of her passing. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed seeing the world. She was just a few months from completing her quest for seven continents in seven years. As an active member of the community, Kathy was involved in numerous organizations and clubs. She served as the first female president of the Hampton Chamber of Commerce in addition to winning both the Distinguished Service and Ambassador Merit Awards. She was a member of the Franklin County Republican Party, serving as chairman of the central committee, and well as president of the Franklin County Republican Women. She held titles as vice president and president for the American Association of University Women in Franklin County. The United Methodist Church of Hampton recognized her membership and holding of multiple titles and committees. She served as a member of the Second Judicial District Nominating Commission and as a representative for People to People in the Soviet Union. She held titles for Boy Scout Troop 120 of Hampton as well as an active member of the Dollars for Scholars board. Kathy was a life member of both the Franklin General Hospital Auxiliary and Franklin County Historical Society. She also served on the Main Street Hampton board as both president and vice president. Kathy is preceded in death by her husband James (Jim) W. Bobst, her parents Robert and Virginia Becker, and her step-son Randal Bobst. She is survived by her daughter Angela (Kreg) Menning of Hampton, son John (Erica) Bobst of Coralville, step-daughter Jane (Steve) Haviland of Hampton, and step-daughter Debra (Tim) Primus of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren; Ryan Menning, Drew Menning, Brenna Menning, Lauren Bobst, Will Bobst; step-grandchildren Tyler Primus, Paul Primus, and Brittany Loebig. Kathy chose to donate her body to science through the Deeded Body Program at the University of Iowa. A community visitation service will be held Saturday, December 30th from 2:00-4:30pm at Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Hampton, IA. A private family memorial and burial will be held at a later date. Kathy believed the gift of time was the most valuable contribution one could bestow. She would much prefer people do something in their community. To honor her lifelong volunteerism, in lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests you to donate your time to a service organization in her memory.

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Kathy Ann Bobst

May 8, 1945 - December 13, 2017