Kathleen Louise Swift

Kathleen "Kathie" Louise Swift, beloved sister, aunt, mentor, friend, and world traveler, passed away on July 20, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of kindness, service, adventure, and meaningful connection. Born on August 27, 1941, in Rochester, Minnesota, to G. Gerald and Albena Swift, Kathie lived a life marked by curiosity, generosity, faith, and a genuine love of people.

Kathie was preceded in death by her parents, G. Gerald and Albena Swift; her brothers, Thomas Swift and James Swift; her sister-in-law, Joy Swift; and her brother-in-law, Michael Murrane.

She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Murrane and Mary Neswold (Ted); sister-in-law, Lisa Swift; and an extended family who brought her great pride and joy throughout her life.

A proud graduate of the University of Iowa, Kathie earned a degree in Communications and built a distinguished career that became synonymous with one of Iowa's most cherished institutions, the Iowa State Fair. For more than 25 years, she dedicated her talents to the Fair, ultimately serving as Head of Marketing. Through her creativity, leadership, and passion for promoting Iowa's greatest celebration, she helped shape generations of cherished memories and left an enduring impact on the organization and the countless people it serves.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathie was deeply committed to her faith and her community. She was an active member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church and generously volunteered her time with organizations including the Des Moines Public Library, Toastmasters, Friendship Force, and the Shoah Project. A lifelong learner, Kathie studied the Russian language, a reflection of her deep interest in people, cultures, and international understanding. She believed deeply in lifelong learning, cultural exchange, and the power of community connections.

An adventurer at heart, Kathie embraced the world with enthusiasm and wonder. From her years in Washington, D.C., to her home in Des Moines and her extensive travels across the globe, she sought out new experiences, built lasting friendships, and cultivated a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and understood. To many, she was more than a friend-she was a trusted confidante, a source of wisdom, and a mentor whose influence shaped lives in meaningful ways.

Kathie was a devoted sister, a proud aunt, and a treasured member of a large and loving family. She is lovingly survived by her nieces and nephews: Jeffrey Neswold; Elizabeth Roach (Jay Roach); James Neswold (Kelly Carlson); Amy Ingram (Brian Ingram); Thomas Murrane (Lynn Murrane); Mary Pat Murrane; Patrick Swift (Patricia Swift); Regina Kemp (Jon Kemp); Robert Swift (Regina Swift); and Mary Turner (Michael Turner), Kelsey Genter (Justin Genter) along with many beloved grandnieces and grandnephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Throughout her life, Kathie had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. Whether through family, friendship, community service, or her travels, she cultivated meaningful connections and helped others feel welcomed and valued. It is fitting that family and friends will gather on what would have been her 85th birthday to celebrate the relationships, memories, and joy she shared so generously throughout her life.

A visitation celebrating Kathie's life will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

Kathie will be remembered for her generous spirit, inquisitive mind, unwavering faith, adventurous heart, and genuine care for others. She lived fully, loved deeply, and left every place and person better than she found them. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of friendship, kindness, service, and curiosity will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Lifeline of Iowa, The Togo School Project, or the Iowa Refugee Alliance of Des Moines-organizations that reflect Kathie's lifelong commitment to compassion, education, cultural understanding, and service to others.