UPDATE: Catherine “Kay” Waldvogel, beloved matriarch and community advocate, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at the age of 102, surrounded by her family. Born on November 11, 1923, in Johnston City, IL, Kay’s remarkable life spanned over a century, impacting countless lives along the way.
Kay’s journey began as the youngest of seven children in a close-knit family. After graduating from Johnston City High School in 1941, she moved to Chicago, where she met the love of her life, Ken Waldvogel. The couple married on February 7, 1948, starting a loving partnership that lasted 72 years until Ken’s passing in 2020.
In 1951, the Waldvogel family relocated to Santa Cruz, CA, where they established the Waldvogel Mushroom Farm alongside Kay’s brother. The family welcomed their son, Ken Jr., in 1954. By 1960, they settled in Soquel, where Kay dedicated over six decades to her family and community.
Kay was not only a devoted wife and mother but also a fierce advocate for her daughter, Karen, who was born with Down syndrome. Kay’s unwavering support for Karen was evident through her involvement with the Santa Cruz County Association for the Retarded and the Special Olympics, where she dedicated herself to uplifting others.
For over 45 years, Kay volunteered at Dominican Hospital, contributing more than 9,000 hours of service. She was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 60 years, singing in the choir and creating rosaries through the “3 in 1 Ministry,” producing nearly 1,000 rosaries annually for over a decade.
Kay’s legacy continues through her surviving children: Jeanne Locatelli, Ken Waldvogel Jr., and Karen Waldvogel, along with her grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Her family celebrated her extraordinary life with a private service on November 8, coinciding with what would have been her 102nd birthday.
Kay’s final wishes include donations to Holy Rosary Catholic Church-New Church Fund in Woodland, CA, and Canine Companions in memory of her legacy. She will be interred alongside Ken at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA, with a date yet to be determined in 2026.
As the community mourns her passing, Kay Waldvogel is remembered not only for her family devotion but also for her compassionate spirit and commitment to service. Her life serves as an enduring example of love and advocacy that will inspire generations to come.
