Kathleen O'Hara

Kathleen O’Hara, age 74, of Decorah, IA, died on Sunday, April 3, 2011, at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Monona, IA. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and on Wednesday morning until 10:00 a.m., at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah. There will be a rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Kathleen Marie (Ryan) O'Hara was born October 23, 1936 to Emmet and Stella (Keenan) Ryan in Waukon, IA. She attended St. Patrick's grade school in Monona, IA and graduated from Monona Farmersburg High School in 1955. On May 14, 1960 Kathy married John R. O'Hara at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Monona, IA. They farmed near Decorah and later divorced. Kathy enjoyed her trip to Ireland and celebrating her Irish heritage. She also enjoyed visiting the sick and shut-ins, Kathleen enjoyed volunteering at the Winneshiek Medical Center. playing cards, dancing, music, and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She especially enjoyed being with her family. Kathy's survivors include her five children: Peggy (John) Sparrgrove, Castalia, IA; Kayleen Kinnison, Mazomanie, WI; Patsy O'Hara, Decorah, IA; Roger (Joyce Benda) O'Hara, Decorah, IA; and Keri (Tim Sand) O'Hara, Mabel, MN. Grandchildren: Ryan (Brianne) Sparrgrove, Amanda, Joshua, and Travis Sparrgrove, Jesse (Alyssa) Halweg, Jenna (Dave Solem) Halweg, Montana and Cavin Bohr, Mikayla and Colten Kinnison, Zach and Desiree Benda. Great-grandchildren: Dillion, Blake, and Chloe Sparrgrove and Taylor Sparrgrove-Nelson. One brother: John Ryan, Monona, IA. One sister: Ethna Bartels, Schaumberg, IL. One sister-in-law: Kay Ryan, Glendora, CA. and many nieces, nephews and friends. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Larry and Alan Ryan.