Kathleen "Kathy" R. McDonnell

Kathleen “Kathy” R. McDonnell, 74, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the funeral home. Private Inurnment: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website tribute page for Kathy, under “videos,” starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025.

Kathy was born on July 3, 1951, in Cedar Rapids, to John and Evelyn (Huffman) McDonnell. She graduated from Kennedy High School with the Class of 1969. Kathy began her career as an operator with Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and later held several positions with AT&T. In 1994, she joined Life Investors, working in quality assurance before eventually becoming the welcoming face at the front desk, where she remained until her retirement in 2013.

Kathy enjoyed cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears. She was known for her independent spirit, quick wit, and sassy sense of humor. Above all, Kathy loved spending time with her family and friends, creating memories that will be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her siblings, Bob (Rhonda) McDonnell of Loveland, Colorado, Mike (Rosanne) McDonnell, of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Steve (Becky) McDonnell of Des Moines, Iowa, and Joy (Gary) Ryan of Hiawatha, Iowa; her nieces and nephews, Chad (Jennifer), Maggie (Chris), Kate (Tyler), Jack, Matt (Molly), Nick (Courtney), Brock (Hannah), Amber, Morgan (Bob), Trent (Sarah), Jake and Jenny (Tyler); her great-nieces and great-nephews, Dante, Grace, Claire, Gavin, Trevor, Evelyn, Addison, Lillian, Leana, and Lucy; her sister-in-law, Lynnette McDonnell; and numerous cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Evelyn McDonnell; and her brother, Denny McDonnell.

Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution to a charity meaningful to Kathy.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at West Ridge Care Center and UnityPoint Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion and support.