Kathleen "Kay" Barfels

Kathleen “Kay” Barfels, of Beaman, passed away April 13th, at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 18th, from 5 - 7pm and Services on Friday, April 19th at 1030am both at the Beaman United Methodist Church. A luncheon will follow at the Beaman Memorial Hall. Kay’s final resting place will be at the Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown.

Kathleen Kay Campbell was born on August 22, 1938, in Marshalltown, Iowa. The daughter of Albert Lincoln and Chloris J. (Cundiff) Campbell. She graduated from Green Mountain HS in 1956. In that same year, on Nov 3rd, she was united in marriage to Billy Lee Purvis. They were blessed with six children (2 of whom were adopted). Mr. Purvis passed away after only 17 years of marriage. She owned a flower shop in Cascade, Iowa, before moving to Conrad in 1973.

On November 6th, 1976, she was united in marriage to Kenneth C. Barfels in New London, MN. The couple shared a blended family of her six & his three children that created memories of; camping, fishing (especially on Norway Lake in Minnesota) where they enjoyed; family, friends, relaxation, local ski shows, auctions & shopping for antiques. Their blended talents took them across the midwest decorating businesses (Country Kitchens, Shakey Pizza Restaurants to name a couple) as well as local businesses. Kay was dedicated to raising her family, but also self-employed as an interior designer and florist, owning antique/consignment stores; The Farmer’s Wife, Tea & Treasures & shops in local malls that she and Ken enjoyed collaborating with all of her businesses & adventures. Many of her crafts were in consignment shops across Iowa and Minnesota and even owned a “rec room” downtown Conrad. Kay was a member of the Beaman United Methodist Church, Lay Speaker, Red Hat Ladies, Beaman Women’s Club & enjoyed her Special Friends group, that gathered regularly. She shared her talents with local clubs, church groups, friends & loved caring for the Discovery Garden her and Ken maintained along with the community.

A “good” day for Kay would be making hand-made cards, gardening, floral arranging, home decorating, crafts, hosting parties and teaching Sunday school. A “GREAT” day included her family in any of these events, especially when holidays were involved. Her Christmas decor every year were magazine worthy. She was “Mom, grandma or friend” to anyone she encountered.

She was truly blessed with her children & their families; Michael (Lyn) Purvis, Robin (Andy) Edwards, Mark (DJ) Purvis, Brett Purvis, Chris (Marsha) Purvis & Melinda (Mindy) Kruse, Deb (Tom) Ashton, Jeff (Mona) Barfels & Troy (Lynn Walter-Barfels). Grandchildren; Meredith Thomas, Michelle (Chris) Heasley, Josh (Ashley) Edwards, Matt (Amy) Edwards, Justin Edwards, Heather (Tyler) Purvis, Marcus (Victoria) Purvis, Eric (Charlotte) Holmes, Cyndie Thompson, Brad (Kim) Holmes, Grace Purvis, Leah, Janelle, Nathan, Mike(y)(Cara) Kruse, Shane, Colton & Kiersten Kruse, Ryan (Mindy) Ashton, Tia Barfels (Jeff), Lexa Barfels, Austin (Joshlynn) Barfels, Max, Allie, Emma & Olivia Walter. Great grandchildren; Bailey (Nick) Saak, Walker Ashton, Kaylee & Lucas Thomas, Karli & Owen Heasley, Elise & Evelyn Edwards, Kael, Alaina & Haylie Edwards, Aria & Effie Edwards, Auriella & Enslee Barfels, Willow Barfels, Harlow & Zion Kruse, Sawyer Purvis, Abby & Clay Holmes, Ryker Holmes, a Great Great grand baby in Nov of 2024 & her two nieces; Angela and Melissa.

She joins her husbands, parents and sister Constance “Connie” Peterson upon her death.

The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Kay and her family. Memorials may be directed to the church in her memory.

For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. or call 641-844-1234.