Kathleen Ann “Kathy” Gedde (née Ewing), age 72, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. Born on May 12, 1953, in Webster City, Iowa, Kathy lived a life marked by resilience, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

Raised in Minnesota, Kathy graduated from Biwabik High School before attending Moorhead State University. There she pursued her academic passions with vigor, majoring in Biology and Chemistry and minoring in Math. Her intellectual curiosity was matched by her artistic talents—she earned a college scholarship playing the trumpet.

Kathy’s life was defined by her fierce independence and deep love for her children. She was a devoted mother to the daughters she shared with former spouse Mike Gedde, Kimberly (Kevin) Thompson, Jennifer (Matthew) Evans, and the late Marissa Kristine Gedde. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly to ensuring her daughters had every opportunity she could provide. Whether leading Girl Scout troops, sewing intricate costumes for dance, chaperoning field trips, or organizing fundraisers, Kathy was always at the heart of their lives—present, engaged, and endlessly supportive.

Her role as a grandmother brought her immense joy. She cherished every moment spent with her granddaughters Anika, Morgan, and Zelise Evans.

Kathy’s interests were as eclectic as they were vibrant. She was an avid reader with a passion for movies that spanned genres and generations. She loved to travel and explore new places but also found joy in simple pleasures like sewing or spending time with friends. Her cultural heritage shone through in her enthusiasm for Czech and Slovak folk dancing. In earlier years, she embraced the outdoors through camping trips, skiing adventures, and even SCUBA diving.

Service to others was another cornerstone of Kathy’s life. She volunteered with the Hennepin County Emergency Squad and gave generously of her time to support community activities—especially those involving her daughters’ schools.  She was a proud member of the United Church of Christ in New Brighton, MN.

Kathy’s early life included formative years spent with foster parents Mildred and Edward Otway alongside foster siblings Harry, Bill and Tom Otway. She remained connected to both her birth family—parents Alma (Shillinglaw) Solie and Elmer Ewing—and her siblings Larry, Leonard, Barb, Connie, and Becky.

Though she faced hardships—including the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Marissa—Kathy met life with strength and determination. Her legacy is one of love fiercely given and a life fully lived.

Kathy will be laid to rest at Sunset Funeral Home and Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

May Kathleen Ann Gedde’s memory bring comfort to all who were touched by her generous spirit and enduring love.

Her favorite poem that she took to heart was by Dr. Forest Witcroft Titled 100 Years From Now:

One hundred years from now

It will not matter what

Kind of car I drove,

What kind of house I lived in,

How much money I had

In my bank account,

Nor what my clothes looked like.

But 100 years from now

The whole world may be a little better

Because I was important in the life of a child.