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Kathleen Ann (McCann) Tapken, affectionately known as Kathy, was born April 27, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family July 27, 2025, at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines. Kathy was a life-long resident of Creston, where she profoundly touched the lives of many.
A dedicated educator, Kathy began her teaching career in 1977 at St. Malachy School in Creston, where she taught for two years before embarking on an extensive journey at Southwestern Community College. Over 26 years, she imparted her knowledge and passion for sociology and western civilization to countless students, inspiring them with her dedication to education.
Kathy was a proud graduate of Creston High School, class of 1961, and she furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in education from Drake University in Des Moines. Her commitment to learning exemplified her belief in the importance of education, both for herself and her students.
On Jan. 16, 1965, Kathy married John Tapken at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Creston. Together, they built a loving family, which became one of Kathy’s proudest accomplishments. She cherished her role as a mother to her son Doug (Judy) Tapken of Ozark, Missouri, and her daughters, Lisa Tapken of Camden, Maine, Laura Tapken of Urbandale and Stacia Tapken, who resides in Urbandale with her significant other Inmar Ochoa.
Kathy also enjoyed the joy of being a grandmother to four grandchildren: Chelsea (Tony) Diepenbrock, Cody (Courtney) Tapken, Aidan Honkomp and Jocelyn Honkomp, as well as a great-grandmother to Nico Diepenbrock.
Kathy had a deep passion for travel, visiting numerous countries across South America, Europe — where she explored Spain and Germany — and Africa, including Tanzania, along with frequent trips to Mexico. Her adventurous spirit was only matched by her love for gardening, as she was an avid gardener, dedicating her time to nurturing her flower gardens and vegetable patches.
Kathy’s involvement in her community was profound. She actively participated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church and was a member of the Afton Garden Club, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Catholic Daughters of America.
Her family described Kathy as a strong woman, known for her caring nature, chatty demeanor and ability to forgive. She was a resilient individual who persevered through life’s challenges, proudly celebrating her status as a 20-year cancer survivor. Kathy maintained meaningful connections with many, having hosted numerous foreign exchange students throughout her teaching career, often keeping in touch with them long after their time in her home.
Kathy is survived by her beloved husband John Tapken of Creston; her children: Doug (Judy) Tapken, Lisa Tapken, Laura Tapken and Stacia Tapken (Inmar Ochoa); honorary son Eddie (Janna) Klingensmith of Ankeny; her grandchildren; great-grandson; brothers, Mike McCann of Austin, Texas, and Kirk (Lila) McCann of Creston; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Eileen McCann; in-laws, George and Theresa Tapken; sister-in-law Bev McCann; brother-in-law, George Kordick and nieces, Angela McCann and Sheila Palubicki.
Visitation will be held 3 to 7 p.m., with family visitation beginning at 5:30 p.m. July 30, at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Creston. A Rosary will follow at 7 p.m. A Mass in celebration of Kathy’s life will take place at 10:30 a.m. July 31, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Creston.
Kathleen Ann Tapken will be fondly remembered as a devoted educator, a loving family member and a caring friend whose legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.