Catherine A. "Cathy" Caldwell

Catherine A. “Cathy” Caldwell, 75, a resident of Donahue, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge, Iowa. She will be laid to rest at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Neurology Unit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Cathy was born in Davenport, Iowa on September 25, 1950, the daughter of Fredell and Darlene (Roussell) Carstens. She was a graduate of Assumption High School. On April 7, 1973, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Thomas J. “Tom” Caldwell.

Cathy dedicated more than two decades of service to the Davenport School System, where she worked as a food service manager before her retirement. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose greatest joy came from her family Cathy took immense pride in her grandchildren and was a constant presence at their athletic events, school activities and milestones. Known for her warm heart and generous spirit, she also found happiness in the simple pleasures of life—camping with loved ones, tending to her flowers, and always having a beloved dog by her side. A loyal Iowa Hawkeye fan and spirited shopper, Cathy will be remembered most for her unwavering love, encouragement, and the special bond she shared with her grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband, Tom; her sons, Curt (Amy) Caldwell of Metamora, Illinois, Brian (Andrea) Caldwell of Davenport and Nick (Stefanie) Caldwell of Blue Grass, Iowa; her grandchildren, Olivia, Drake, Matthew, Logan, Ian, Drew and Wyatt Caldwell; her brothers, Fred (Mary Ann) Carstens Jr. of Davenport and Tom (Lisa) Carstens of Princeton, Iowa; her sister, Barb Parsons of New Mexico; along with many other loving relatives and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.