Jane Kay

Jane Kay, 80, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Atlantic.

Jane Marie was born on October 22, 1945, in South Bend Indiana, the daughter of George Douglas and Gladys "Bobbie" Marie (Wilken) Dunn. She grew up in South Bend; after the death of her father, her mother returned to her own home town of Atlantic. Jane graduated from Atlantic High School Class of 1963 and then attended business school in Omaha.

You have heard of Love at First Sight, and that's exactly what it was when Jane saw Fred Kay from across the way at the Sunnyside Pool during their later high school years. The couple married on August 22, 1964, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic and returned to the Omaha area for the first few years. In 1971, they came back to Atlantic to farm. Annual trips with the kids to Colorado and Spirit Lake to ski were excitedly anticipated. The couple also took many trips through the years with Italy being a favorite. Family always came first for Jane and she loved making memories with those she loved.

Jane's first job in Atlantic was at Pymosa School, always making sure every child that walked through that door was shown support and encouragement. Jane and Fred hosted the students several times at their farm; not sure who loved it more, them or the kids!

In 1981, she started a 40-year career with ERA, now Meyer and Gross Realty. In the 80's realty was highly competitive and known as more of a man's field of work; Jane was driven to be successful and earned great respect across the area. She helped countless families and several generations, realize their dreams of owning a home. Jane went above and beyond whether you were selling or buying, she had a knack for knowing what house was right for someone and knowing what little improvements were needed to get the best return. She staged homes before it was a thing and could take rooms and turn them into a whole new space by reusing what was already there. Jane's ability to organize was mesmerizing; in what felt like a snap of a finger you had orderly and functional spaces. All of this was an added bonus to our own family as we moved; she would come in and somehow direct everything to just the right place.

Outgoing might be a bit of an understatement, if it was happening Jane was likely there! Volleyball, racquetball, tennis, bowling, golf, supper clubs, card groups, church and the list goes on and on. It might come as a surprise that Jane had been fairly shy but with encouragement from Fred she came out of that shell.

Jane was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church and was active as a youth leader with Fred. The haunted houses they did to raise money for mission trips were quite the undertaking and enjoyed by many. She was also active in PEO, Junior Federated (organizing many of their events), as a 4-H leader, and as a Chamber Ambassador. Jane dedicated her time to Cass County Memorial Hospital, now Cass Health, serving on the Hospital Foundation Board and in addition to hours working at the gift shop, she was also a buyer of the items they carried.

Down time for Jane was fairly uncommon but she did enjoy crafts, puzzles and reading. Baking wasn't Jane's thing, but her homemade meals were the best; a family favorite being her fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy. Jane taught her family the only way gravy should be made, and there are a few that have it "Jane approved." Her family recalls the beauty of her home during the Christmas season; it was her favorite. Jane had a green thumb, whether it was tending to her many exotic house plants or in her garden. Card and board games were her delightful method to unite groups of people to gather and interact. She was a sports fanatic and no matter the event, especially tournament time, she was watching and often made family stop whatever they were doing to watch it with her. GO BIG RED!!

Jane will be dearly remembered for her deep love for her family and community, her zest for life and new experiences! She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Fred; daughter, Amy (Chris) Williams; son, Scott (Tara) Kay; grandchildren, Megan (Kyle) Miller, Paige Williams, Jonny (Sydney) Williams, Abby (Grant) VanHook, and Drew Kay; great-grandchildren, Leo and Mae Miller; brothers-in-law, Lauren Joyce, Stuart Kay and Howard (Sandy) Kay; and many dear extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Gladys "Bobbie" Dunn; brother, John Dunn; sister, Laurie Joyce; parents-in-law, Gerald and Betty Sue Kay; brother-in-law, Alan Kay; and sister-in-law, Judy Kay.

A time for viewing and visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, September 25th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 26th at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic. The service will be livestreamed and available at https://www.youtube.com/@AtlanticPresbyterian

Burial will be held prior to the service in the Atlantic Cemetery.

As strong supporters of the Cass County Fair the family is requesting memorials be given for improvements to buildings at the fair grounds. Checks can be made payable to Cass County Agriculture & Education.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jane's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.