Obituary for Kathy Jo Heien (Thorpe) Kathy Jo (Thorpe) Heien, 58, of Utica, Kentucky passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 in Owensboro, Kentucky following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Rev. Jean Ziettlow and Rev. Peter Rosenkvist from St. John's Lutheran Church in Le Mars will officiate. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Le Mars. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Kathy Jo Thorp was born on June 7, 1956 to James Franklin and Tommie Sue (Grace) Thorp in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After high school, she attended nursing school in Henderson, Kentucky. She graduated with a registered nursing degree. She began her nursing career in Owensboro, Kentucky.

On July 27, 1985 Kathy Jo and Robert Heien were united in marriage at Owensboro. In 1986 they moved to Le Mars and Kathy Jo continued her nursing career in Sioux City, Iowa. Kathy Jo and Bob moved back to Owensboro in 1990. Kathy Jo resumed nursing there until she became ill and was forced to retire.

In her spare time Kathy Jo liked to hunt and fish. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She and Bob own a hobby farm and Kathy Jo loved to care and tend to her animals.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Bob Heien of Owensboro, KY; a sister and brother-in-law; mother-in-law, Mary Heien of Le Mars, IA; and several aunts and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a father-in-law, Elmer Heien.

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