Kay Lynn Meyer

Kay Lynn (Goretska) Meyer, 78, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, at Maquoketa Care in Maquoketa, Iowa. Born on June 19, 1946, to Reba (Cox) and Bill Goretska, Kay was a woman of kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness who touched the lives of many.

Kay grew up on a farm outside the small town of Popejoy, Iowa, attending the Popejoy school and later graduating from Alden High School in 1963. She met and married John Meyer while attending Drake College in Des Moines, Iowa. Kay and John had three children: Laura, Melissa, and Jared. While her children grew up, Kay was a housewife and mother who supported them in their varied interests and activities.

Kay had a passion for gardening, passing it down from her own mother to her daughters and granddaughters. She loved to take day-trips to flea markets and antique shops. Kay loved dancing and music, plays and musicals. She lived to travel, especially with her sister-in-law Jerell. Her love of reading followed her throughout her life.  She also nurtured her skills in handicrafts such sewing and needlepoint, as seen by the projects and samplers she made over the years. 

She believed in serving others and was deeply involved in her community through several organizations. Kay was a member of the Junior Women's League and the Maquoketa chapter of PEO. Through the United Methodist Church, Kay worked as church secretary, sang in the choir, was a member of the United Methodist Women, and chaired the church’s funeral luncheons for a number of years. Kay was also a member of the Garden Club and the Historical Society, enjoying their Brown Bag Lunches when possible. Her dedication to these groups exemplified her love for fostering connections and preserving history.

Later in life, Kay earned an associate degree from AIB in Davenport and dedicated her career to supporting Families of Northeast Iowa. Her professional contributions reflected her deep commitment to helping others.

Over the years, Kay shared her home with many pets who brought her comfort and companionship. Most recently, she adored Molly and Bella.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Kay is survived by her children Laura (Jeff) Engelhardt, Melissa Meyer, and Jared (Keiko) Meyer; her cherished grandchildren, Isabel, Alec, Rachel, and Julian; and nephews, nieces, cousins, and brother and sisters-in-law. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Kay’s life was a testament to the beauty of thoughtfulness and the power of community. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on February 1 at the United Methodist Church in Maquoketa, Iowa, at 1:00, followed by a coffee hour.