Kay Lynn (Goretska) Meyer

Kay Lynn (Goretska) Meyer, 78, passed away peacefully on Jan. 15, 2025, at Maquoketa Care in Maquoketa, Iowa. Born on June 19, 1946, to Reba (Cox) and Bill Goretska, Kay was a woman of kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness who touched the lives of many.
Kay grew up on a farm outside the small town of Popejoy, Iowa, attending the Popejoy school and later graduating from Alden High School in 1963. She met and married John Meyer while attending Drake College in Des Moines, Iowa. Kay and John had three children: Laura, Melissa, and Jared. While her children grew up, Kay was a housewife and mother who supported them in their varied interests and activities.
Kay had a passion for gardening, passing it down from her mother to her daughters and granddaughters. She loved to take day trips to flea markets and antique shops. Kay loved dancing and music, plays, and musicals. She loved to travel, especially with her sister-in-law Jerell. She also nurtured her skills in handicrafts such as sewing and needlepoint, as seen by the projects and samplers she made over the years.
She believed in serving others and was deeply involved in her community through several organizations. Kay was a Junior Women’s League member and the Maquoketa chapter of PEO. Through the United Methodist Church, Kay worked as the church secretary, sang in the choir, was a member of the United Methodist Women, and chaired the church’s funeral luncheons for many years.Â
Her love of books and reading endured throughout her life. Kay was also a member of both the Garden Club and the Historical Society, enjoying their Brown Bag Lunches when possible. Her dedication to these groups exemplified her love for fostering connections and preserving history.
Later in life, Kay earned an associate degree from AIB in Davenport and dedicated her career to supporting Families of Northeast Iowa. Her professional contributions reflected her deep commitment to helping others.
Over the years, Kay shared her home with many pets who brought her comfort and companionship. Most recently, she adored Molly and Bella.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Kay is survived by her children Laura (Jeff) Engelhardt, Melissa Meyer, and Jared (Keiko) Meyer; her cherished grandchildren, Isabel, Alec, Rachel, and Julian; and nephews, nieces, cousins, and brother and sisters-in-law.Â
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Kay’s life was a testament to the beauty of thoughtfulness and the power of community. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.
A memorial service followed by a coffee hour will be held at 1 p.m. at the Maquoketa United Methodist Church on February 1, 2025.
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