Kathalene Ann (Leadley) Taute

Kathalene Ann (Leadley) Taute, a longtime resident of Paton and West Des Moines, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on September 16, 2026, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Grimes.

Kathalene was born January 3, 1949. She was the daughter of Bill Leadley and Shirley (Wienke) Leadley.

Kathalene married the love of her life, William (Bill) Taute, in 1965. Together, they shared 54 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2019. They raised three children—Melissa, Gina, and Chad—in Paton, and later relocated to West Des Moines, where they shared many beautiful years together. Following Bill's passing, Kathalene continued to reside in West Des Moines before recently moving to Grimes to be closer to family.

For 34 years, she worked alongside her husband, contributing significantly to the foundation and growth of their family business, Quad County Ag Service in Paton. She was deeply proud of her hard work, dedication, and the vital role she played in the company's success.

Kathalene had a vibrant spirit and loved traveling, especially spending winters in Florida and enjoying summers in Okoboji. Above all, her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, known to her family as "Nanny," anchoring her loved ones with endless warmth, grace, and affection.

She is survived by her daughters Melissa (Heath) Smidt of Grimes and Gina (Jerry) Schneider of Churdan; her son Chad (Dawn) Taute of Paton; her beloved grandchildren Taylor Smidt, Macy Schneider, Alec (Allison) Schneider, Madisyn Taute, and Mylo Taute; and her great-granddaughter Sutton Schneider.

She is also survived by her sisters Lori (Kevin) Bauer and Michelle (Kent) Paeper; her nieces Stephanie Graham and Jennifer Happe and her nephews Mark Paeper and Christopher “Maynard” Bauer; and many loving extended family members.

Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Bill Taute; her parents Bill Leadley and Shirley Leadley; her mother-in-law Lois Smith; and her granddaughter Murphy Taute.

In lieu of flowers, our family requests that memorial donations be made in memory of Kathalene "Kathy" Taute to support WesleyLife Hospice.

Donations can be made through any of the following options:

Online: You can donate securely online via the WesleyLife Foundation Donation Page www.wesleylife.org/foundation/donate-now

Please select "Hospice" as the impact area and include Kathy's name in the tribute section or mail a check to:

Wesley Life Hospice

4328 114th Street,

Urbandale, IA

50322

In the memo “Memorial for Kathalene Taute"

 A private Celebration of Life will be held for the immediate family.