Kathryn Bell Seidel

Kathryn was born July 24, 1923 in Kansas City, MO. She was a 1941 graduate of Burnside (now Central Webster) IA high school. In December 1944 she graduated from Iowa State University with a BS degree in Home Economics Education. She then taught the spring semester in high school in Essex, IA.

In June 1945 she was married to Harris F. Seidel, a 1944 ISU graduate in Civil Engineering. They lived in Minneapolis, MN until 1951 then returned to Ames permanently.

Kathryn was first and foremost a homemaker, giving a firm foundation to five children and strong support to her husband.

Her children are:
Judy—staff, Women's Political Caucus, Minneapolis, MN
Susan--chemistry teacher, Sewickley Academy, Pittsburgh, PA
Ann--secretary and computer operator, Boston, MA
Jean--chemical engineer, Union Carbide, Charleston, WV
Dean--employed in Arlington, TX

Kathryn was always active in her church, the First Baptist Church. She taught young children in church school and was a member and officer of women's groups. She also served as a member and officer of the Board of Deacons, Board of Education and Board of Missions of her church.

Her interests and hobbies included sewing, reading, crosswork puzzles, history and travel. She had a special interest in the birthplaces and homes of US presidents and the activities of their wives.

Soon after her first daughter joined the Girl Scouts, Kathryn became a troop leader. She continued as a leader throughout the active troop membership of all four daughters, up through senior and cadette troop levels. After retiring as an active troop leader, she continued as a trainer. She also served on many committees and as an officer of Moingona Girl Scout Council. In 1992 she was the first person to be inducted into the Moingona Girl Scout Council Hall of Fame.

The citation is as follows: Katy, your service to Girl Scouting has been of the highest quality, given quietly and unselfishly for 35 years. You have served as a member and officer of our board of directors, as a council trainer, as a troop leader, and as a member of many committees and task groups. Your high ideals and dedication to the mission of Girl Scouting has earned the admiration of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with you. The girls who have been in your troops, the volunteer and staff who have come to respect and value your input, and the community itself recognize you as a truly outstanding Girl Scout. It is most appropriate that you are the first person to be inducted into the Moingona Girl Scout Council Hall of Fame. (4-27-1992)

Above all, Kathryn will be remembered as a warm, loving, caring, and generous wife and mother--truly a heroine to her immediate family and wide circle of friends.

Submitted on 11/20/94

Paver Inscription:

"Kathryn Bell Seidel
Wife, Mother, Volunteer"