Marlene “Kay” Kieser, 73, of Knoxville, passed away on October 25, 2025, in Galesburg, Illinois, surrounded by her family.
Marlene Kay Hodges was born on November 28, 1951, in Galesburg to Lee and Mildred “Polly” Hodges. Kay grew up in rural Williamsfield and had many fond memories of exploring her family farm and making memories with her siblings. She met the love of her life, Michael “Mike” Kieser, in 1976. They later married on May 10, 1986, in Knoxville.
Kay worked alongside her sister, Cecile, at Kastle Kreme for many years before later joining Econo Foods. She also fulfilled her natural calling as a caregiver, spending countless hours caring for her niece, Stacy, and later her great-niece and great-nephew.
Kay was known for always having a smile on her face. She truly never knew a stranger — if you met her once, you had a friend for life and a singing “Happy Birthday” phone call on your birthday. Some of Kay’s greatest joys included riding motorcycles with her brother “Hawg” and friends through Central Illinois ABATE and celebrating personal wins through TOPS, where she proudly earned KOPS status. Whether she was dancing to live music with friends and family, participating in a group class at the YMCA, or spending time with her family, her energy filled any room she entered. Kay was a proud Nana and Aunt KK, always going the extra mile for family — whether she was wearing her Mrs. Claus outfit at family Christmas or running to the front of every school event with a disposable camera in hand.
She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Mike Kieser of Knoxville; her son (a.k.a. “My Baby Boy”) Chris (Brenda) LaGrow of Rio; sister, Cecile (Curt) Marshall of Galesburg; brother, Randy Hodges of Galesburg; grandchildren, Ashley (Zeb) Gore of Geneseo and Colton LaGrow of Macomb; great-granddaughter, Emilia Kay Gore of Geneseo; nieces, Stacy Marshall and Angelique Hodges both of Galesburg; and special great-niece and great-nephew, Kaydence and Kameron Kaminski of Galesburg. She is also survived by one aunt and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and her loving Golden Retriever, Kody.
She has been reunited with her mother and father; sister, Brenda Kelso; brother, Gary Hodges; and beloved furry children, Bruno and KC.
Per Kay’s wishes, cremation rights have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the American Legion Post 749 in Knoxville, Illinois. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory assisted the family with their wishes. Online condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
