Date of Birth:
Thursday, April 30, 1942
Date of Death:
Saturday, August 4, 2018
Age:
76 years old

Kathryn “Kate” Wills

Kathryn “Kate” Kilen Wills, 76, of Rochester, died Saturday, August 4 at Seasons Hospice following a long illness.

Kate was born on April 30, 1942, in Windom, MN. In 1964, she graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD where she studied English Literature and Theatre. It was at Augie where she met her future husband and lifelong partner, Jim.

Kate and Jim were married on August 15, 1964 in Sioux Falls, SD. In 1969, they moved to Denver to start a family. They had two children, Matthew (1969) and Jennifer (1972).

In 1973, the family moved back to Minnesota. Throughout the late 1970’s and 1980’s, Kate was very active in civic theatre, performing in major musical productions such as The Sound of Music and South Pacific, among many others. She also performed with the musical ensemble Special D and taught music.

In the 1980’s she founded Communication Training Workshops (CTW) and traveled the U.S. training people and corporations how to build competitive advantage through better interpersonal communication. In the 1990’s and 2000’s Kate and Jim traveled the world meeting new people, exploring new cultures and visiting the homes of their ancestors.

Kate is survived by Jim, her husband of 53 years and 354 days; her son, Matthew (Brenda) and her three grandchildren, Maya, Madelyn and Isaac, for whom her love had no bounds.

She was preceded in death by her mother (Maude), father (Astor), brother (Pete), daughter (Jennifer) and countless beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, August 10 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester. Friends may call one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Paws and Claws of Rochester, Mayo Research or Seasons Hospice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.