Pauline "Kay" Myers

Pauline “Kay” Myers

October 21, 1935 – October 16, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend to so many, Kay Myers, on October 16, 2026, just five days shy of her 91st birthday.

Kay lived a long, rich, and meaningful life, touching countless hearts along the way. She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, quick wit, and unwavering devotion to her family, friends, and community.

Born on October 21, 1935, Kay grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, the daughter of Dr. Joe Krigsten and his wife, Molly. Alongside her three siblings—older sister Gloria and younger brothers Eli and Ray—Kay enjoyed what she would fondly remember as a truly idyllic childhood. While she might not have been technically spoiled, young Kay Krigsten certainly didn’t want for much. Her family even had the first television on the block. What could be better?

After graduating from Sioux City Central High School, affectionately known as the “Castle on the Hill,” Kay began her college education at the University of Minnesota. Perhaps it was the harsh Minnesota winters, or perhaps simply a desire to venture a little farther from home, but she eventually made her way to The Ohio State University, where she earned her nursing degree in 1960.

Kay’s first nursing position took her to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. After gaining valuable experience and enjoying plenty of California adventures, she and her college roommate decided it was time for another chapter. Together, they headed to New York City.

Taking a temporary hiatus from nursing, Kay went to work as a reservations agent for a relatively young airline called Delta Air Lines. While the job offered its share of excitement—and some very useful travel benefits—it soon became clear that the airline industry was not destined to be her life’s calling. As it turned out, however, those travel benefits would help change the course of her life.

During one trip home from New York to Sioux City, courtesy of her Delta employee discount, Kay was contacted by a woman named Rose Rosenthal, who encouraged her to meet her grandson, Larry Myers, a young attorney from Des Moines. A blind date was arranged, and, as they say, the rest is history.

Just three months later, on January 7, 1962, Kay Krigsten married Lawrence “Larry” Myers. The newlyweds settled in Des Moines, where Larry practiced law at the firm founded by his father, Abe Myers.

Kay and Larry shared more than 43 wonderful years of marriage before Larry’s passing in 2005. Together, they raised three children: Margo, born in June 1963; Michael, born in December 1964; and Bruce, born in February 1966.

Three children in less than three years! It was no small undertaking, but Kay was more than up to the challenge.

There was never a dull moment in the Myers household, thanks in large part to Kay’s creativity, energy, and enthusiasm as a mother. Whether organizing art projects, staging cooking contests, attending Little League games, or dreaming up some new adventure, Kay made childhood memorable for her children and their friends.

And her motherly instincts extended well beyond her own family. As the unofficial neighborhood nurse, Kay was always ready to bandage a scraped knee, offer advice for a runny nose, or provide a reassuring word to any neighborhood child who needed a little extra care.

Once her children were old enough to manage on their own after school, Kay returned to the workforce. Although she did not resume practicing nursing, she found another way to serve the profession she loved. She became Executive Director of the Iowa Nurses Association, representing nurses throughout the state and advocating on their behalf in contract negotiations and legislative matters at the Iowa State Capitol. She served in that role for over a decade, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues across Iowa.

Drawing on her considerable organizational talents, communication skills, and natural ability to connect with people, Kay later established herself as a consultant to professional associations and nonprofit organizations. She helped clients strengthen their membership programs, communications, and operations, developing lasting friendships along the way.

One of her favorite clients was the Rotary Club of Des Moines. Through her work with Rotary and other organizations, Kay came to know countless business and community leaders, many of whom became dear friends. To Kay, relationships were never simply professional. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and connected.

Above all, Kay’s greatest joy was her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Margo Myers, and husband, David Cornfield, and their four daughters: Molly; Sophie and husband Isaac, and their daughter, Jane; Olivia; and Julie. She is also survived by her son, Michael Myers, and his sons, Jackson and Nico; and her son, Bruce Myers, and wife, Angela, along with Angela’s children, Zachary, Anna & Natalie and great-granddaughter, Layla.

Kay will be remembered with deep admiration, affection, and gratitude by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She lived a life filled with purpose, compassion, humor, and love. Her devotion to her husband and family, her Jewish faith, the Des Moines community, and the countless people whose lives she touched was evident in everything she did.

She leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not only in the family she loved so dearly, but in the friendships she nurtured, the causes she championed, and the kindness she shared so freely.

Kay’s family is forever grateful to her caregivers – Angie, Lisa, Felista, Alvina, Sharine, Sharice, Leila, Noela and the staff at Wesley on Grand. They all provided unbelievable, compassionate care in Mom’s later years and grew to become dear friends and like family.

One of Kay’s favorite quotes that perfectly describes her was from her grandson, Nico – “KK, you are like a special event!”

She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to DMARC Food Panty.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.

Arrangements by Iles Dunn’s Chapel.