Obituary of Kathryn Anne Kline

Kathryn Anne “Kate” Kline, age 65, longtime resident of the Twin Cities passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019 after a long struggle with diabetes.

Kate was born March 12, 1954 in Fargo, ND to Bob and Alice Kline.  The month and day of her birth were special to Kate because her mother and maternal grandmother shared that birthday with her.

Kate’s life reflected her eclectic personality and desire to nudge back at society’s expectations.  In the ‘70’s she was one of the first women to work as a telephone installer for Northwestern Bell in Fargo, she taught mathematics in South Dakota, toiled as a lumberjack in upstate New York, and was an operator and technician with Northwestern Bell in Minneapolis.   A Masters Degree in Labor Relations from Hamline University led to her most recent career as a Labor Relations Specialist with the Minnesota Nurses Association.  She retired in 2014. 

Although she didn't plan to have children, at age 54 Kate became a foster parent and ultimately adopted her foster kids, Leah and Deagan.   Their journey to become a family was featured in a 2008 StarTribune article called “Never Too Old for Home.” The article can be read by using this link:  http://m.startribune.com/never-too-old-for-home/35602784/

For the rest of Kate’s life, she was a strong advocate for at-risk and older foster children.  She provided respite and training to adoptive parents, volunteered with the Ampersand Families organization in Minneapolis. and along with other adoptive parents she created a strong and supportive network.

Passionate and fierce about everything from knitting to social justice, she filled her life with a tapestry of rich colors, music, curiosity, learning, art, reading, travel, quilting, adventure, and nesting at home with her kids and cats.  Kate had a love for sailing, the outdoors, and loved to spend time around the North Shore and Lake Superior.  She made memorable trips to Hawaii, Norway, Italy, and Portugal.  Kate had a wonderful sense of humor and loved anything whimsical, quirky, and irreverent. 

Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Alice; sister-in-law, Amy Kline; and nephew, Jesse Raden.  She is survived by her children Leah (Dylan) Leason and Deagan Whitecalf; siblings Jim Kline, John (Amy) Kline, Larry (Sandy) Kline, Steve (Tara) Kline, Curt (Amy Swanson) Kline, and Laura (Bob) Bauer; nieces, nephews, extended family and many good friends.  She will be greatly missed.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Community on Friday, November 22nd at 11:00am with a visitation at 10:00am.    https://www.saintjoanofarc.org  Many thanks to the Cremation Society of Minnesota for their guidance and support.