Kathryn Kielmeyer

Kathryn “Kay” Viola Kielmeyer, age 94, passed away after a short bout of pneumonia, on Saturday, May 26, 2012, at Pioneer Care of Fergus Falls. Kathryn was born on May 19, 1918, in Fingal, North Dakota, to Eddie and Anna (Tweet) Christopherson, the seventh of eight children. Kathryn graduated from Fingal High School in 1935. Kathryn and Ormon Kielmeyer were married in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, on November 24, 1938. She worked for several years at O’Meara’s Department Store before she and Ormon built and operated the Lakeland Motel in 1950. They operated the motel for many years with Kathryn’s brother and his wife, Earl and Eleanor Christopherson. After selling the motel in 1965 they continued to reside in Fergus Falls. In her early years Kathryn enjoyed softball (as a teen), league bowling, bridge club and golf. In her later decades she loved playing cards with her family and friends, especially Kings in the Corner with daughter-in-law Mary and playing the queen of spades in Hearts on son-in-law Bob. The pastime she never tired of was enjoying the wonderful meals with her family at Swan Lake. Her pride and joy was in her children and grandchildren and in her final years the ability to hold and marvel in her two great-granddaughters. Kathryn’s later years also revealed her hidden strength and courage as she continued to amaze her family with her ability to handle her many health problems, often being called the “Energizer Bunny” by her family. Never one to complain, always able to smile and joke, she was always concerned about everyone else's well-being. She was always Mom, but even more so Mother, sharing her love and concern. Kathryn is survived by her husband of 73 years, Ormon, son Keith (Mary) Kielmeyer of Fresno California, and daughter Cheryl (Robert) Sefkow of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Rory (Reanin) Kielmeyer of Fresno, California; Chad (Julie) Kielmeyer of Dallas, Texas; Tyson Kielmeyer and his fiancée Kelly Short of Portland Oregon; Cristen (Chad) Erickson of Princeton, Minnesota; Laura Sefkow of Fargo, North Dakota; and Joanna Sefkow of Santa Barbara, California. She is also survived by two great grand-daughters, children of Rory and Reanin, Annaliese and Hannah Kielmeyer, along with several nieces and nephews. Kathryn is preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Eddie Christopherson; and siblings Walter Christopherson, Earl Christopherson, Sarah Scott, Edwin Christopherson, Cora Haskins, Aileen Stephens, and Martha Elhart. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, at First United Church of Christ, Fergus Falls, Minnesota Clergy: Reverend Tom Gard Interment: First United Church of Christ Cemetery, Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements.