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Kathy Jo Brockway

June 25, 1957 — April 18, 2025

 

Kathy Jo Brockway, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home in Olathe, Kansas, on April 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Kathy faced breast cancer with incredible strength and determination, first diagnosed in 2018 and later battling metastatic breast cancer since 2022.

 

Born on June 25, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Robert Gerald Wheeler and Johann Ellen (Towlsey) Wheeler, Kathy's life was filled with love for her family. She attended Kirkwood Elementary School and Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, and later, in 2000, proudly earned her Bachelor's degree from Baker University, a milestone she cherished deeply.

 

Kathy worked at Northwestern Bell and US West in Des Moines, and later at Grainger and Superior Glove in Kansas City. Yet, her true legacy lies in the hearts of her family and friends. Kathy was married to the love of her life, John Davy Brockway, for 48 wonderful years. They met at McDonald's when Kathy was just 16, and she knew then that Dave was the one she wanted to marry. As a loving mother to James Michael Brockway and Jennifer Lee Hayes (Bryan Hayes), Kathy's life was centered around her family. Her grandchildren — Hayden Hayes, Hudson Hayes, and Brock Hayes — were the light of her life. Kathy was the proudest grandma you would ever meet, always found at the park playing in tractor dirt or embarking on adventures in “Grandma’s School Bus.” The love her grandsons have for their Grandma is beyond words.

 

Kathy is also survived by her sister, Deborah Vander Waall, and brother, Charles Wheeler, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Gerald Wheeler; her mother, Johann Ellen Wheeler; and her brother, Robert George Wheeler.

 

Kathy's warmth and kindness were felt by everyone she met. She never met a stranger and believed in the power of doing good for others. A McDonald's Diet Coke and a cool breeze brought her simple joys. Kathy's legacy of kindness lives on in her request for us all to pick up any litter we see, always choose kindness, and get a mammogram.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held in Kathy’s honor on May 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 14169 W 115th Terrace, Olathe, Kansas. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Kathy’s positive spirit, to share stories, and to find comfort in one another.

 

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Crane at the KU Cancer Center, Christina, Margot, and Anna for their unwavering support and for answering all of our questions, and the KU Medical Center for their compassionate care throughout Kathy’s illness.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Breast Cancer Club. The Breast Cancer Club is an independent Kansas City breast cancer community. It offers free, anonymous online support and connection in over 100 languages for patients, survivors, supporters, and those at high risk. 

 

The Breast Cancer Club

7131 W 135th St. #1022

Overland Park, KS 66223
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Celebration of Life
Location:
Address:
14169 W 115th Terrace
City:
Olathe
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66062
Date of Service:
May 03, 2025
Time of Service:
4:00 pm
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
No Location added

Condolences

Cynthia Miller Carter Apr 22, 2025

Friend

Dave, I am deeply saddened to hear of Kathy's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Wishing you peace and strength as you remember all the special moments you had together. Her memory will surely live on in the many lives she touched. With deepest sympathy, Cynthia Carter

Karen Beckstrom Apr 22, 2025

Dental hygienist for years at Dr Wismers ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Kathy did fight a strong battle against that cancer. Condolences to her loving family. She will always be remembered with a smile.

Dawn Evans Apr 22, 2025

Friend ,Des Moines ,Iowa

So extremely saddened to hear about the loss of Kathy. She was a True Warrior that never gave up battling. So many great memories of Kathy. Worked with her at the phone company and those lunches we had. Never a dull moment. Cherish all those wonderful memories you have of Kathy. You and your Family are in my thoughts and prayers 💔

Robert and Joyce Towsley Apr 22, 2025

Uncle ,San Antonio ,Texas

Our hearts ache for your loss. Sadness, and regrets for opportunities lost. Love to you all.

Sharon Vincent Apr 22, 2025

none ,Acton ,Wisconsin

Dave & Family, Thinking of you at this time with deep sympathy. Kathy was always a pleasure to talk with and every call always brought a couple laughs. I am so sorry that you did not have more time together. God bless each and every one of you! Sharon Vincent

Dan Duffey and Robin Duffey Apr 22, 2025

Friend/Superior Glove ,Phoenix ,Arizona

My wife and I just enjoyed being in Kathy‘s presence. She would always bring a smile to our faces. My wife met Kathy and quickly became friends. When Kathy and I worked together, I always made sure I had a McDonald’s Diet Coke in hand.

Kathy Battles Apr 22, 2025

Friend from NWBell ,Des Moines ,Iowa

Kathy was a great person and so fun to work with. Her laugh was infectious!I work with her for several years at NWBell. She was a great worker, good friend & someone you could always count on. May she rest in peace. I know many will miss her sunny personality & great kindness. My thoughts & prayers go out to her family.

Pam Dalton Apr 22, 2025

Friend and co worker at Grainger, KC ,Chapin ,South Carolina

Dear Dave and Family, I remember working with Kathy at Grainger, as well as Cindy and BJ and others. I remember Kathy being such great friends with Cindy as well as the rest of us. I know Cindy and Kathy are happily catching up after being apart! Your wife was a pillar of strength and love. She set an amazing example of what it truly means to live! I know she will be so deeply missed and in your hearts. You all are in our prayers through this difficult time.

Laurie Leighton Apr 22, 2025

Superior Glove Co-Worker ,Acton, Ontario, Canada

My deepest condolences to the entire family on Kathy’s passing. She was a truly wonderful person—always full of life and never without a smile. As a Territory Manager at Superior Glove, Kathy was exceptional. I deeply admired her ability to connect with customers, build meaningful relationships, and genuinely help them improve their hand protection programs. She was thorough in her work, demonstrated unwavering work ethic, and had a real gift for identifying needs and adding value right from the start. Kathy will be missed by so many. Her courage and strength throughout her battle were extraordinary and admired by all who knew her. Rest in peace, Kathy—you fought so hard. Sending hugs to the entire family, who I feel I know through her beautiful, proud posts on Facebook. xo

Debbie Kutasienski Apr 23, 2025

Friend ,Acton

My deepest condolences to Dave and family. Kathy was more than a coworker she was a true friend. Kathy loved sharing stories about spending time with her grandchildren, you could tell the deep family connection. Kathy loved getting her steps in, whenever we were at show or NSM Kathy would always be doing laps anywhere she could find a good loop i enjoyed joining in on the steps and great conversations. Kathy i will miss you.

Rafael Merida Apr 23, 2025

Friend ,Fayetteville ,Arkansas

Dear Dave and the entire Brockway family, May God's light shine bright on Kathy as she enters eternal rest. May God's peace be with you all as we continue to carry His will on earth. All our prayers and warmest thoughts go out to you all. Rafael Merida and Family

Jolt (Joe) Bosch Apr 24, 2025

I lived with the wonderful Brockway family during my year abroad as foreign exchange student back in 93-94. My hostmother Kathy, my mum, was loving, thoughtful, funny but also strict when necessary ( i was one of the three upgrowing and exploring youngsters in the house) I had the best time and that year was part of my route to becoming an adult. I visited them a few years ago, i was good to see the family. I miss them and i miss my ‘mom’

Sefrash Yaregal & Solomon Terfa Apr 24, 2025

Neighbor ,Olathe ,Kansas

Dear Dave , Our heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your dear wife . We pray your happy memories will help you through this difficulty time . Please know that your neighbors are here to offer support in any way we can. Solomon & Sefrash

Heather and Lynn Apr 26, 2025

Her 2nd and 3rd favorite Flicks'n'Discs/Movie Gallery kids ,Kansas City ,Missouri

We are so sorry to hear about Kathy's battle and passing. As teens, we looked forward to seeing her smiling face and feeling her good vibes when she visited the store, usually to bring Jim and us some treat she made or bought. The backyard get-togethers were also some memorable and good times. Healing thoughts for Dave and his family at this heartbreaking time.

Sheila Dalrymple Apr 30, 2025

Realtor, Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Kathy was such a bright light to anyone who knew her. I was only lucky enough to know her for a short amount of time, but she was always inspiring and made us laugh through the hard times. So devoted to her family, Christmas at home will always mean a little more after knowing her. Her spirit will live on through her children and grandchildren, who have inherited her fight and great sense of humor.