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DUNNELL -- Mass of Christian Burial for Kathy S. Olberding, age 73, of Dunnell, Minn., will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Sherburn, Minn. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Kramer Funeral Home in Trimont, Minn., and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Spencer, Iowa, at approximately 3 p.m. Kathy passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minn., surrounded by her family. The Kramer Family Funeral Home of Trimont, Sherburn, and Welcome, Minn., is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Kathy Sue Olberding was born on Sept. 29, 1952, in Spencer, Iowa, to Wayne and Marjorie Rouse. Kathy spent her childhood in Ruthven alongside her brother, Harlan, and sister, Connie, before the family later settled in Spencer. She graduated from Spencer High School in 1970.
In 1970, Kathy married Jim Mincer, and together they welcomed one child. In 1971, her mother married Clyde Hale, and Kathy gained more than a stepfather - she gained a steadfast source of love and devotion that brought her great joy. In 1978, she married Bernie Olberding and welcomed the arrival of two more children. Kathy and Bernie made their home on a farm near Mallard, Iowa, where Kathy embraced rural life with her trademark energy and creativity. In 1987, the family moved to Dunnell, Minn., where she continued to build a life filled with community, friendship, and family.
Kathy had a big personality and a generous heart. She was the kind of person who would drop everything to help someone in need -- whether a close friend or a complete stranger. Her hands were rarely still; she loved gardening, crafting, volunteering, and baking. Her Christmas cookies were legendary, eagerly anticipated by family and friends every holiday season.
She also had a mischievous streak and a wicked sense of humor. Kathy delighted in pulling friends aside at gatherings to share jokes that were far too bold for the main room, and she never hesitated to play a practical joke on anyone within reach. Her laughter -- bright, contagious, and often accompanied by a twinkle in her eye -- was one of her defining traits.
Family meant everything to Kathy. She was overjoyed when she became a grandmother, and she poured her love into Evan and Olivia, who quickly became the light of her life.
Though she battled serious health issues in the last 25 years, she refused to let them dim her joy. Her resilience, optimism, and unwavering strength were a testament to the beautiful way she moved through the world.
Kathy will be deeply missed by her husband, Bernie; her children Tina (Mike) Palmer, Marvin (Summer) Olberding, and Theresa Olberding; her grandchildren Evan and Olivia Olberding; her brother and sister; as well as her in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many cherished friends.
www.kramerfuneralhome.com.