Kathleen Lorraine Anderson, age 98, of Grinnell, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family and under the care of UnityPoint Hospice, on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Kathleen was born on October 24, 1927, at her family's home in Malcom, Iowa, the daughter of Lucian and Clara (Frahm) Brown. She was raised in Malcom and attended a country school through 8th grade and later moved with her family to a farm outside of Grinnell in 1934. She graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1945 and continued her education at Grinnell College.

On August 29, 1948, she was united in marriage to Thomas Anderson in Grinnell. The couple made their home in Grinnell, where Kathleen was employed by Grinnell College in the Admissions and Financial Aid departments. She genuinely cared for the students she served and made a lasting impact on many lives through her kindness, encouragement, and dedication.

Family was Kathleen’s greatest joy. She loved creating photo albums for her children and grandchildren, completing puzzles, sewing, restoring and upholstering furniture, gardening, and collecting glassware. She was also an excellent cook and baker, remembered especially for her potato salad and pink champagne cake, family favorites that often sparked competition over who would take home the leftovers. One of her biggest joys was preparing meals for family holidays and gatherings.

Kathleen shared a special bond with her sister, Mary Lou Brown. Their love and support for one another were unwavering and she treasured many trips and memories they enjoyed together.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Linda (Phil) Gause of Bloomington, Indiana and Jan (Jacque) Anderson of Grinnell; her sister, Mary Lou Brown of Grinnell; her grandchildren, Eric (Kari) Gause, Jessica (Brenda) Anderson, Clayton Cheney, Lucas Anderson, and Libby (Zach) Stone; her great-grandchildren, Kaci Gause, Zach Gause, Justin (Tiffany) Adams, Gracie Anderson, Beckett Cheney, Briar Cheney, Easton Anderson, and Elena Stone, with Baby Stone expected soon; her great-great-grandchildren, Archer and Iris Gause; and her beloved cat, Boomer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Tom.

A private graveside service will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be designated to UnityPoint Hospice Grinnell. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to UnityPoint Hospice and to Kathleen's many caregivers, especially Tina, Kelly, Kiesha, and Amber, for the compassionate care and kindness they provided.