Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Thoreson, 61, a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away unexpectedly while on a trip in Mexico on December 12, 2024. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Vining Lutheran Church in Vining. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. prior to services at church.

She was born on December 16, 1962, in Moorhead, Minn., to Raymond Thoreson and Kay (Albright) Thoreson.

Kathy grew up in Sabin, Minn., with some of her dearest childhood friends. She started school in Sabin and later graduated from Moorhead High in 1981. Her calling for teaching led her to MSUM, where she graduated in 1990 with a degree in Elementary Education. Kathy’s passion for learning did not end there, as she went on to receive two additional master’s degrees in education.

During her career, Kathy taught several grades and held many roles at Robert Asp Elementary, and Wadena-Deer Creek, among others. She had a gift for reaching all students from any background with her diverse skills, positively affecting so many throughout her career. Her colleagues admired her for her dedication and enthusiasm that she brought to the classroom. Kathy was always up for silly ideas that would brighten her students’ day. She listened intently and loved unconditionally, giving her full self to whoever she was with.

Kathy cherished her three sons and grandchildren, always living for them. She embraced every opportunity to be outdoors, whether it was enjoying time at the lake, canoeing on the pond, or going for pontoon cruises. She loved attending her kids’ and grandkids’ activities and sporting events, especially baseball. Kathy found joy in planting flowers and finding little hidden treasures at antique stores. She had the greatest sense of humor, filling each room with her radiant personality and leaving everyone laughing and smiling.

Seeing her children start careers and lives of their own truly filled Kathy’s heart. She was looking forward to her retirement years and all the extra grandma time. Kathy loved her friends immensely, her family immeasurably, and held onto those cherished relationships throughout her life. Her memory will live on through the countless souls she touched in her short time here.

Kathryn Ann Thoreson leaves behind her sons: Casey (Rachael) Johnson, Henning; Daniel (Nicole Miller) Koch, Audubon, Minn.; and Nolan (Mya) Koch, Fergus Falls; grandkids, Gunner, Kinsley, and Kaylee Johnson; and Vivian and Kline Koch; mother: Kay Thoreson; brother: Bryan (LeAnn) Thoreson; and sisters: Susan (Kurt) Kratzke; Sandy Thoreson; and Carrie (Randy) Hanson; as well as many nieces and nephews, cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kathy also leaves behind her “villages” of friends that meant so much to her.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father: Ray Thoreson; as well as grandparents: Henry and Cora Thoreson; and Ben and Lucille Albright.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Kathy’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Belmont-Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Henning.