Obituary of Kathleen M. Weiler

Back in the early ‘90’s, there was a big blue Ford conversion van. The Van, with two swiveling captain's chairs, a ladder that provided access (but should not have) to the roof, a tiny TV that never actually worked and three very different and strong-willed children, strategically seated in separate rows was piloted by an adventurous mother with the patience of a Saint; an origami master who stuffed as many belongings, games, snacks, pets, and kids into The Van, wherever and however she could. This mom, just to get The Van backed out of the driveway to places like the Black Hills, SD or Cape May, NJ, picked up countless extra shifts at Ramsey County Detox, after working full-time days at the hospital and relied on AAA, the yellow pages, and something called an “Atlas” to save for, plan, and pull off, these cherished family summer vacations. The pilot of The Van, Kathleen Mary (Norsten) Weiler, who preferred “Kathy with a K,” passed away on August 9, 2018, surrounded by family and loved ones, who held her and sung her to eternal rest. Kathy is survived by her children Jennifer Jorgenson, Nathan Weiler and Nicole Weiler, as well as brothers Greg (Pat) Mike (Mel) and Bob (Cathy) Norsten and extended family Vicki (Don) Plantenberg, Paul (LeAnn) Mansour, Nancy (Craig) Violante, Joseph (Paul) Pfieifer St James and Mary Mansour (Marie Saraga). For more than 40 years Kathy was a distinguished mental health and addiction medicine nurse. Beginning at St. Joseph’s Hospital and St. Mary’s as an Licensed Practical Nurse, Kathy returned to school (with three kids at home) and earned her title as a Registered Nurse. She dedicated her career to helping patients in recovery at Regions Chemical Dependency Treatment Center, Ramsey County Detox, and Fairview Riverside Behavioral Health. Before she died, Kathy’s goal was to overcome her medical challenges so she could “just get back to work” at the University of MN Medical Center West Bank Hospital. Today, she’s deeply missed by the colleagues she called family and the patients she cherished on her unit at 3A West. Kathy’s career illustrates her deep commitment to helping others, a strong sense of social justice and a commitment to community work and civic duty. Though she instilled these values in all her children, Kathy’s legacy best lives on in her daughter Nicole, who works tirelessly for victim/survivors of abuse at the Sexual Violence Center, dedicating spare time advocating for inclusive politics on a local level while addressing legislation at the state level to dismantle disparities in our communities. Kathy was very proud of Nicole and the important work she does. Kathy was also extremely creative. For a short time, she had a small side business with her sister-in-law Mel Norsten, called “Krafted by Norst,” Together they sold hundreds of beautiful handmade wares from soft books to ornaments. They were well known for designing a quaint little sock to cover ice and hockey skate blades before such a product existed. As an expert seamstress, Kathy was always eager to make contest-winning Halloween costumes for her kids, repair and construct clothing, or combine those skills by making skirts for the whole Annunciation Junior High cheer leading squad. Her children will especially miss her expertise in stain removal. One or all children would call weekly inquiring about how to remove random foreign substances from furniture, carpet, clothing, and skin. Kathy loved music and had a stunning singing voice. Whether in mass at Annunciation Church, The Van, or at home while doing chores, she could hold her own with all the greats. Throughout the years, treasured musical collections moved from vinyl record to cassette tape to CD and ultimately into the endlessly more complicated MP3 format. Kathy persisted with each update because every genre of music brought her joy. Her passion lives on in her children, with both Nicole and Nathan inheriting beautiful singing voices and Jennifer’s commitment to "attend one local concert a week because music brings joy." However, Nathan’s accomplished musical career as both a solo recording artist and a banjo player/vocalist in a popular Duluth based bluegrass band was a special source of intense pride for Kathy. Nate’s music endlessly blared from Kathy's car, house and apartment speakers. Kathy shared each new release recorded by Nate with everyone she knew. Kathy loved animals and took special care of all the various family pets, from cats to rats to hamsters and dogs. She adopted two Cavalier Spaniels, and in typical mom/nurse fashion gave them the love needed not just to survive, but to thrive. When Kathy passed, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Eliza Jane Doolittle was with her. Kathy was also a master gardener, taking extreme pride in her pristine yard landscaping. Upon owning her own homes, daughter Jennifer relied heavily on her Mom to learn how to tend her own gardens. Whenever Kathy saw Jen's latest flower box installation or new blooms in Jen's shade, rose and bee and butterfly gardens, Kathy beamed with pride that Jen inherited her "green thumb gene." An avid camper and backpacker in her 20’s and 30’s, Kathy enjoyed time outdoors. In later years, a favorite activity was sitting on the deck of her house on Emerson Avenue watching frustrated squirrels get launched by her motor-activated bird feeder. In her latest Edina apartment, she had a patio planter where sparrows kept nest, and she watched over them - photo documenting their progress- almost as if the hatchlings were her own. Kathy loved to ride her bicycle. It was her bliss. For many years, she pedaled to and from work, no matter the time of year. She shared a love of cycling through Minnesota winters with youngest daughter Nicole, whose main form of transportation for many years was her single speed. Kathy participated in many organized rides, fundraising for noble causes close to heart. Bicycling allowed her to share time in the saddle with her brother Mike and nephew Adam Norsten. Kathy and oldest daughter Jennifer drove to Colorado in 2006 to pedal 550 miles over dozens of Rocky Mountain passes. Kathy was determined and as strong as an ox. When Jen passed her Mom on the long climbs, Kathy dusted her daughter on the long downhills screaming out in utter delight, “light bike, heavy load! On your left! SEE YAH!” As a dedicated mother and cyclist, Kathy also never missed a spin class at Lifetime Fitness when Jennifer was teaching. Kathy adored The Cabin. Not any specific cabin. All cabins in the woods were a magical place for family to gather and enjoy the tranquility of nature. The Cabin(s) in Park Rapids, MN are where Kathy went most often to read, rest, dip her toes in the water and create memories with loved ones. Kathy had a witty sense of humor and an infectious laugh. When she chuckled, like a beacon of light, her bright blue eyes lit up the room, even when half closed or watering. Please join us for A Celebration of the Life and the Legacy of Kathy Weiler on Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at The Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave, Edina MN; Visitation begins at 5:00 pm with a memorial service at 7:00 pm and optional rosary prayers at 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred in the name of “The Weiler Family.” As a dedicated mother and registered nurse, she is deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues and patients for her sense of humor, creativity and love for life, nature and music.