Catherine "Cathy" Colleen Koeppen

Catherine “Cathy” Colleen Koeppen, 69, of Marion, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion. Cathy’s eulogy will then be shared by her family at 6:45 p.m.

Cathy was born on March 12, 1956, in Ottumwa, Iowa, to Donald and Mildred Daugherty, who preceded her in death. She grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and graduated from Jefferson High School. While in high school, she found Jesus and that decision became the foundation for her life.

Cathy met the love of her life, Eric Koeppen, and they were married on January 14, 1978, in Cedar Rapids. They shared a devoted marriage that spanned nearly five decades. Together, they raised three children, Jeremy (Mandy) Koeppen of Ankeny, Iowa, Kyle (Chelsea) Koeppen of Vinton, Iowa, and Allison (Matt) Giesberg of Cedar Rapids, who were always the center of her world. Cathy often said that her greatest pride and purpose was being their mom.

She dedicated her early years to being a stay-at-home mother until all three children were school aged. Cathy then began working in the Marion Independent School District, the same district her children attended, serving as both a para-educator and a library associate. She was deeply passionate about helping children, especially those who were most vulnerable, and she brought patience, kindness, and compassion to her work every day.

Cathy lived by her favorite saying: “Being a mother is the most important job in the world. Being a grandmother is the most fun.” Her grandchildren were truly her world, and she was their biggest fan. Attending as many games, concerts, and activities as she possibly could. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, listed in birth order: Kolby, Colt, Cael, Clark, Kaden, Clay, Charlotte, Kane, and Cruz.

She had a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, and later in life, she joyfully rekindled that passion with her two horses, Bonnie and Archie. Cathy also loved to travel, cherishing trips to Europe and New Orleans, and treasured time spent “up north”, fishing with family and making memories that will last forever.

Cathy is survived by her loving husband, Eric Koeppen; her three children, Jeremy, Kyle, and Allison; her grandchildren; and her sisters, Connie (Kenny) Moyer of Cedar Rapids, Cheryl (Michael) Hipp of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Debbie Smith of Cedar Rapids.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her servant’s heart, and the quiet, steady way she showed up for the people she loved most.