Kay Strobel

Kay Strobel

Kay Jean Strobel (Accola) of Red Wing, MN passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, at her home at Deer Crest Senior Living with her family beside her. Kay was born November 12, 1937, in Des Moines, IA. She was the eldest of three children of William and Edith (Van Voorhis) Accola. Her sister Sallee was born in 1939, and her brother John was born in 1945.

She grew up in Iowa, attending schools in Norwalk and Claremont, and graduated from Des Moines North High School in 1955. While in high school, she participated in synchronized swimming, played string base in the Orchestra, sang in her church choir, was active in Campfire Girls, and taught swimming lessons. After high school, Kay attended the University of Iowa College of Nursing, graduating with high honors in 1959. During college she was an active member of Mortar Board, the University Student Union Board, and Chi Omega Sorority.

On June 18, 1960, Kay married Jack Strobel and had three sons, David, Mark and Eric. While Jack was finishing law school in Des Moines, Kay worked as a public health nurse and a school nurse. Early in their marriage, Jack served with the Air Force in Montgomery, AL and Kay worked in a doctor’s office until their first son was born.

While the boys were young, Kay was a “stay at home mom” but stayed active in her profession as a volunteer which included the Red Cross. As her children grew older, Kay worked part time as an in-service director of a hospital, conducted paramedic medical exams for insurance companies and continued her volunteer work so she could be at home when her sons came home from school. She finished her career as a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) until she retired in 2003. After retirement, Kay and Jack spent their time traveling all over the US and Abroad.

Jack and Kay lived in Des Moines IA, Montgomery AL, Newton IA, Austin MN, Duluth MN, and Longwood FL, until returning to their family cabin in Wacouta, MN, which became their retirement home on Lake Pepin. She was devoted to her church, serving as an elder, President of the Women’s Association, and as a member or chairman of various committees. One of her favorite mission projects was sewing over 100 dresses for little girls living in Africa. She is an honorary life member in the Presbyterian Women’s Association. In her free time, Kay enjoyed exercising at the YMCA, attending theater and music performances, sewing, reading, swimming, biking, hiking, and camping with her husband and sons.

Kay spent the last 14 plus months under the care of Saint Croix Hospice. She never lost her joy for life nor her deep love for her family. The family is most grateful for the loving care Kay received from Hospice, home health caregivers and the staff at Deer Crest Senior Living Center.

Kay is survived by her husband Jack, her brother John Accola of Des Moines, her 3 sons David (Lorene) Strobel of Austin, MN, Mark (Cindi) Strobel from Weston WI, and Eric (Susan) Strobel of Centennial, CO, nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and numerous nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Sallee Schuldt, and a nephew, Bradley Schuldt.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Red Wing, MN, at 11:00 AM on February 8, 2025, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions are preferred to the Outreach Fund of the First Presbyterian Church of Red Wing.