Kathryn "Kat" Leibold

Kathryn Ann "Kat" Leibold, age 65 of Dubuque, Iowa, completed her earthly journey on May 6, 2023, at home.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the Word of Life Church, 4550 Dodge St., Dubuque, IA, followed by a prayer service at the church. Entombment will take place at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery. The Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, Dubuque, IA is assisting the family with arrangements.

Kat was born on July 24, 1957, the daughter of Melvin M. and Virginia Mae (Smith) Leibold. She grew up in Dubuque, Iowa and graduated from Wahlert High School in 1975. She went on to complete her education at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, the University of Wisconsin, Madison, obtained her Associates Degree at Marycrest University, Davenport, and received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at Western Illinois University.

She was committed to her career path and would devote over 25 years of her life to helping others who found themselves in difficult places in life. She was a strong advocate for anyone in need, especially those struggling with addiction and/or mental illness. Kat worked as an Advanced Certified Addiction Counselor, a Domestic Violence Counselor, a Batterer's Education Facilitator, worked at Hillcrest Family Services, and Connections Recovery and Support Facilitator for NAMI Dubuque. She was also devoted to helping others in her free time. Kat volunteered countless hours with her friends at the Veteran's Freedom Center, was a longtime member of NAMI, and enjoyed joining her breast friends (Breast Cancer Survivor's Team) to participate in Dragonboat racing each year.

Fun in the sun, reading, or playing Cribbage were always on Kat's to do list, but she could often be found searching for hidden treasures at a flea market or local auction. Kat's father taught her how to play Euchre and sitting down at the card table was a regular activity whenever the opportunity arose. Kat was a kind and gentle soul who also had to bear the burden of mental illness which she had helped so many others with throughout her journey. Unfortunately, for many folks, this is how they knew her. Mental illness is a nefarious disease which cloaks the real person inside with an identity that confuses the viewer. This longtime battle is finally over for Kat, as she now finds peace from the pain, and has been released from the broken mortal shell she was confined within to finally experience the perfection waiting for her in the arms of her loving Lord and Savior. We will surely miss Kat more than she could ever know and we are forever grateful for all the love, sacrifice, and commitment to others she shared along the way. Thank you, for simply being you and may the generosity you shared with this world be given back to you 10-fold in the next.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Kat include, her siblings, Tom (Zelda) Leibold, Davenport, IA, Terry (Joan) Leibold, Dubuque, IA, Krista Beidler, Rockford, IL, Karla Durgin, San Angelo, TX, sister-in law Laurie Leibold, Dubuque, IA; her nieces and nephews, Brian (Tiffany) Leibold, Keith (Samantha) Leibold, Jeffrey (Tracy) Leibold, Amy Leibold, Amanda (Eric) Canada, Andrew (Jordan) Healey; her 8 great-nieces and nephews; along with numerous extended family, friends and neighbors; and her faithful feline companion, Bandit.

Kat was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Tim Leibold; and her brothers-in-law, Bill Beidler and David Durgin.

The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses for the care they have provided Kat throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kat's name to NAMI Dubuque, 225 W. 6' St., Dubuque, IA or a donation to your favorite charity.

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