Kathy Zumbach Obituary – West Des Moines, Iowa
Kathy Zumbach, a West Des Moines and Naples resident, died June 19, 2026, at age 76 following a battle with cancer. According to her obituary, Zumbach co-chaired the ISU Forever True Capital Campaign alongside her husband, Steve, which successfully raised more than $1.5 billion for Iowa State University.
How did Kathy Zumbach influence university philanthropy?
Zumbach’s leadership in the ISU Forever True Capital Campaign represents a significant scale of institutional fundraising. By raising over $1.5 billion, the campaign provides a long-term financial foundation for Iowa State University’s operations and growth, according to family records.
The impact extends beyond the capital campaign. The family has established the Steve and Kathy Zumbach Scholarship Fund through the Iowa State University Foundation to provide ongoing financial support for future students.
What was Zumbach’s professional impact on speech pathology?
Zumbach pursued advanced clinical training at the University of Iowa’s Wendell Johnson School of Speech Pathology, where she earned a master’s degree. She applied this expertise as a speech pathologist working through the Area Education Agency, according to her biographical records.
Her career path highlights a commitment to educational support services. While she later shifted her primary focus to family life after becoming a mother to Stephanie and Matt, her academic background provided the basis for her professional contributions to the field of communication disorders.
Which community health and arts initiatives did she lead?
Zumbach held leadership roles in several high-profile non-profit organizations. She chaired events for the Iowa Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, earning recognition from the National Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America for her leadership, the obituary states.
Her civic engagement included several other key roles:
- Arts Education: Served as a docent for the Des Moines Art Center and volunteered for the Talking Canvas program within the West Des Moines school district.
- Civic Leadership: Maintained active membership in the Junior League of Des Moines and the League of Attorneys’ Wives.
- Community Funding: Led fundraising efforts for the United Way of Central Iowa.
What defined Zumbach’s personal life and legacy?
Zumbach married Steve Zumbach in 1971 after meeting on a high school blind date. The couple maintained a partnership for over 50 years, splitting their time between Iowa and Naples, Florida.
She was a founding member of “The Rebounders,” a book club that has remained active for more than 25 years. Her personal interests included tennis, bridge, mahjong, and pickleball, though a wrist fracture eventually ended her participation in the latter, according to the family.
She is survived by her husband, Steve; her children, Stephanie (Justin) and Matt (Sarah); and three granddaughters: Kylee, Kenzie, and Leila Joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Esther Case, and her brother, Michael Case.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Kathy Zumbach’s Celebration of Life?
The event was scheduled for Sunday, June 28, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club.
Where can donations be made in her memory?
Charitable donations are directed to the Steve and Kathy Zumbach Scholarship Fund via the Iowa State University Foundation.
What was Kathy Zumbach’s educational background?
She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from the University of Iowa.
Share your thoughts: Do you have a memory of Kathy Zumbach or her work with the ISU community? Let us know in the comments below or visit the Iles Jordan Creek Chapel website to share a tribute.