Date of Birth:
Sunday, September 15, 1935
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Age:
89 years old

Kathryn “Kathy” Haen

Kathryn “Kathy” Joan Haen (née Asche Ammerman) was born on September 15, 1935, to George and Tena (Asche) Ammerman on the family farm. At the age of three, Kathy contracted polio, which affected her legs. With the unwavering support of her older brother, Don, he pulled her to and from country school in a wagon, until she regained her strength and mobility.

The family later moved to Clara City, Minnesota, where Kathy completed her schooling and formed enduring friendships. After graduating from high school, she pursued a career in nursing, attending nursing school in Saint Paul. Kathy dedicated her career to caring for others, working at the state hospital and OMC in Rochester, Minnesota.

She met her husband, Tom Haen, at the Clara City roller rink. Romance ensued and Kathy and Tom were united in marriage in Rochester, Minnesota, on September 15, 1954—Kathy’s birthday. Together, they built a loving home in Rochester and were blessed with four children.

Family was a cornerstone of Kathy’s life. The family cherished many vacations to Lake Kabetogama, establishing a beloved tradition that carries on today. After her retirement, Kathy and Tom enjoyed spending summers at the lake and winters in Texas.

Following Tom’s passing, Kathy found joy in traveling with her sister, Vonnie. They shared countless wonderful adventures and created lasting memories during their sister trips. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her “GG” or “Candy Grandma”. She loved and was loved by all.

Kathy is survived by her daughters, Deb (Ralph) Jewell, Colleen (Dan) Burbank, Kristi (Ron) Ristau and son, Tim (Heather) Haen; grandchildren, Kate, Camille, Brandon, Kaila, Tyler, Christal, Jenny, Jared, Kellen, Kathryn, Coltan, Will and fifteen great-grandchildren. Kathy  is also survived by her sister, Vonnie Roszell; sister-in-law, Florence Haen, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Tom; grandson, Brent Jewell; parents, George and Tena Ammerman; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Jo Ammerman; brothers-in-law, Bob and Bill Haen and nephews, Brian and Kelly Haen.

Kathy was a kind, caring, fun loving and adventurous spirit. She was always up for new experiences and always with a smile and positive attitude. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and deep love for her family and friends. She touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed. Kathy was known for her open-hearted nature; she accepted everyone without judgment and embraced the uniqueness in others. Her kindness and compassion resonated with all who knew her, making a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.

A memorial service to celebrate Kathy’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12^th St. SE, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of the service. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com