Catherine E. Zmolek

Catherine E. Zmolek, 88, of Reinbeck, entered eternity with her Lord and Savior May 10, 2019, at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital, while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice and surrounded by her family. Visitation was Monday, May 13 at the Abels Funeral and Cremation Service, French-Hand Chapel in Reinbeck. A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 14 at the New Life Church in Reinbeck. Burial will be held privately at Reinbeck Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Progressive Industries (Autism) Foundation, 202 N. Third Ave. W., Newton, Iowa, 50208 or Cedar Valley Hospice. Online condolences may be made by visiting

[ abelsfuneralhomes.com ]

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Catherine was born Sept. 6, 1930, to Burton and LaRoka Whalin in Toledo. She grew up attending school in the local one-room schoolhouse. She married Edward Sieh in 1949 and had three children, Kerry, Rodger and Carene. They later divorced. Catherine was then married to Von Dexter for 35 years, living in both Iowa and California. Following his death in 1996, she married Leon Zmolek of Newton and made her home there.

Catherine, or “Grandma D” as she was known by her grandchildren and many others, enjoyed creating hardanger doilies, tablecloths and napkins. She also loved knitting, and her prized, handmade sweaters sold for hundreds of dollars over the years. She is remembered for her delicious pies, welcoming hugs and hand squeezes, and fervent prayers.

Her life is celebrated by those who remain here on Earth including her children, Kerry (Kemp) of Singapore, Rodger (Teresa) of Anaheim Hills, Calif., and Carene (Lon) Larsen of Reinbeck. She is also survived by her brother, George (Gail) Whalin of Mendenhall, Miss.; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; several step-children and step-grandchildren.

Catherine was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leon Zmolek; and sister and brother-in-law, Jack and Dorothy Vest.