Kathryn A. Kerst
Saturday, January 21, 1950
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Age:
68 years old
Saturday, January 21, 1950
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Age:
68 years old
Saturday, January 21, 1950
Date of Death:
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Age:
68 years old
Kathryn A. Kerst
Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Kerst of Rochester, MN passed away Sunday, May 27, following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded by her family, whom she dearly loved.
Kathy was born on January 21, 1950 in Crete, Nebraska to Karl F. and Bertha M. (Quay) Kerst. She graduated from Crete High School and completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Dramatic Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She went on to complete her Masters of Arts Degree in Audiology at UNL and worked as an Aural Rehabilitation Specialist in the Millard Public Schools in Omaha. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa to serve as the Supervisor of Audiological Services at the Des Moines Hearing and Speech Center. Following that position, she provided clinical audiology services in both private practice ENT offices as well as at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Among other accomplishments, Kathy became an Occupational Audiologist, driving a 5th wheel rig, doing mobile-hearing-testing across western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Ever the student, she went on to complete a Masters Degree in Public Administration Heath Care Management. She became a Disability Specialist for Drake University for a few years until she was recruited for a clinical audiology position in Mayo Clinic’s Department of Audiology. She served in the Audiology Supervisor position until her health prevented her from continuing.
Kathy was a lifelong Nebraska Husker fan, loved attending small town festivals, and long drives along the Mississippi River. She enjoyed collecting violet dishes and anything pineapple but will best be remembered for her kind smile and her Santa collection, second to none.
Kathy is survived by sisters, Carol (Jerome) Schnell of Dorchester, NE, Cynthia (Ken) Baker of Rosemount, MN, Cheryl Roth of Crete, NE, and Karla (Warren) Tresler of David City, NE; twelve nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and nephews; and three great-great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and scores of friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and infant sister, Patty Jo.
An audiology scholarship will be established in Kathy’s name. In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to Ken Baker at 3999 144th Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068.
Minnesota Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 31 at Madonna Towers Chapel (4001 19th Avenue SW, Rochester, Minnesota) with Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service with Rosary at 10:45 am.
Nebraska service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 9 at Sacred Heart Church, Crete, Nebraska. Visitation and Rosary will be one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences
The family of Kathryn A. Kerst has received the following condolences.
Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers each day. I work with Cynthia and know how heavily this has been weighing on her heart. Even though we've missed her here, I'm so thankful she and Ken have had the time to spend with Kathy and family. I know that must have been very comforting to Kathy.
You all continue to be in my prayers.
Much love,
Cindy DeHerder
Very sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. She was a classmate of mine at Crete High Scool. We will miss her at the reunion.My prayers are with you. Linda Santee[Graul]
Rest in peace my friend! Love and Prayers!
I first met Kathy at UNL in our freshman year in 1968, we livied on the same floor in the Piper Hall... She was one of most humorous. giving and friendly person. She welcomed me into her family home in Crete, as my parents lived on the East coast,and I was only able to visit on Christmas.. We had a wonderful time attending the Orange Bowl in Miami, I believe it was UNL's first championship game and we won ! She will be greatly missed.... God Bless her, she was a great soul !!
I knew Kathy during my senior year at UNL while living at the Sigma Kappa House in Lincoln. I rented a room there and then made friends with Kathy and the other girls>>> Kathy was a bright light, with a sense of humor and a great laugh! Am so sorry for the loss of such a positive person and friend>>> Am so glad she had such an effect on others in her career and family life!!! She was driven and was an example to us while pursuing our dreams!!
Thank you, Kathy>>
Jan T. Helms (English major, reading Minor, Class of 1973) Retired> 1974-2006> Jr. high and High school teacher>>) I taught reading and Humanities for 16 years and then High school Photography for another 16 years>>> I will always remember her laugh>>
So sorry for your loss!!
I had worked with Kathy for several years at Dr. Robert Updegraff’s office in Des Moines before she moved to Rochester. We had lost touch with each other since that time and I was saddened to see of her recent passing in today’s paper. I will remember Kathy with fondness and the many good times we shared at Dr.Updegraff’s office. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to her family and may the happy memories you shared help bring you peace and comfort in the coming days. God Bless.
Tana Kirkpatrick
Kathy was our friend, and a beloved member of our social group, CAST. She will always be remembered for the top down on her convertible, as we headed to the DSM farmers market early on Saturday mornings , (and yes, sometimes with the heat on and windows up to cut the morning chill!)
She was a fun-loving, social, spiritual, and intelligent beautiful woman!
So sorry for you family's loss!
Kent and Liz Kirkpatrick
I am sorry for your loss
Kathy was our oldest cousin on the Kerst side! She will always be held in our hearts as being kind, caring and loving! Every time we say "Go Big Red" a prayer is going up for Kathy!! My love and hugs to every Kerst sister and their families! Love to you all!!
Julie Jasnoch Klein
Dear Kerst Family,
I had the great pleasure of working with Kathy for several years at Mayo Clinic. Kathy was a terrific colleague. As a supervisor she always had the best interests of her staff at heart and worked tirelessly on behalf of her patients. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Kevin Hennessey
To the Kerst Family,
Thank you for sharing Kathryn with us at Madonna Towers. She had the kindest, most pleasant, and friendly personality and would have made many friends here.
Sandy J. Molenda; Madonna Living Community Foundation
Kathy was a very dear lady! I really loved her just in the short time we had with her here at Madonna Towers. Thank you so much for sharing her with us!
Amy O'Hare
Carol, Christine and family my prayers are with you.so sorry for your lost.
Sara Cawley
I am so sorry to hear this news. I'm grateful for the time I worked with Kathy, and thankful for the wonderful memories. She was a wonderful colleague and treasured friend.
I had the pleasure of working with Kathy for 6 years at the Mayo Clinic. She was always easy to talk to - perhaps because of our shared love of Husker football. She was always so kind to me and my family. She was a great woman and will be missed. As Kathy would like to hear, Go Big Red!
Dear family members of Kathy,
I am so sorry the loss of your very loved, Kathy. May she rest in peace.
Lee