Kathy T. Shannon

HARRIMAN, HOVELAND, MANGRICH, SHANNON, ZINGG

Posted By: Cindy (email)
Date: 8/26/2024 at 11:46:34

Kathy T. Shannon, 70, of Independence, IA, died on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at Unity Point Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, IA.

Kathy was born on February 27, 1954, in Waterloo, IA, the daughter of John “Jack” and Sarah A.
(Zingg) Shannon. She grew up in Independence, IA, and was a 1972 graduate of Jefferson High School
in Independence. Kathy started working early in life and had many different jobs. She babysat in her teens as well as helping out on family and friends’ farms. She also tested milk and worked at the Gala.

After graduation, she worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids, IA doing soldering work. In 1979, Kathy went to work as a bartender at the North End and then later at Pat’s Tap in Independence. Her family owned the bus depot in Independence, and she would go in after working at the bar to start making the doughnuts. She worked as a driver for the Amish for many years, taking them to different job sites, errands, or family trips. Kathy attended Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo for Industrial Maintenance.

Kathy then worked for Bertch in Waterloo in the chop area until 2013. She always wanted a big family. Even though Kathy only had one daughter, she treated her family’s children like they were hers, and unofficially adopted a few stray kids along the way.

She is remembered by many for teaching them how to cook, sew, and craft. Above all, she showed love to you no matter what.

She loved having family together, and in 1983 she co-founded the Shannon Campout, an annual family
reunion. She loved to cook, and often named her recipes after family members. It was her priority to make sure everyone was fed.

Kathy was known in her family as the matriarch. A mom, sister, aunt, teacher, a good cook, a great
listener and friend, a family historian, and a problem solver.

She is survived by her daughter, Jackie (Travis) Harriman, Independence, IA, a grandson, Robert
“Bobby” Harriman, Independence, IA, her siblings; Donald “Skip” (Julie) Shannon, Ankeny, IA, Idamae
“Bird” (Larry) Mangrich, Independence, IA, Rosalyn “Rosie” (Dan) Hoveland, Hazleton, IA, and Glenn
(Joyce) Shannon, Brandon, IA, and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Sarah Shannon.

Instead of a funeral service, Kathy wanted to have those that loved her go camping together in her
memory.

The Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with
arrangements.