Katherine J. Chandler Buswell M’06

Katherine J. Chandler Buswell, Coralville, IA, died December 27, 2023. Katie struggled with diabetes and mental health problems for many years prior to her untimely death.

Katie was born in Iowa City, IA. She and her older brother spent their early childhood in the nurturing environment of Marengo, IA, where her father still manages a farm. She enjoyed many school activities such as track, band and gymnastics, and after-school care with her beloved grandmother.

In junior high the family moved to Coralville where Katie attended and graduated from West High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and psychology at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA, in 2003.

As a graduation gift, her parents financed a month of travel in Central America. Her spirit of adventure led to further studies abroad in Jamaica and Morocco. She went on to complete a master’s in English as a Second Language from Saint Michael’s, which eventually led to a job teaching ESL in Dubai and later in her home.

During her travels she met Jeffrey Ziegler, a Peace Corps volunteer whom she married in 2007. They had two sons before later divorcing. Katie touched many lives and enjoyed many interests including art and teaching yoga as well as outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, bicycling and more.

She is survived by her parents, her brother, her sons and their father, as well as by her ex-husband, Damon Owens, and many extended family members. Her good friend, Benjamin Hulette provided loving care and support during the last six months of her life. Memorials may be made to an education fund for her sons.