Catherine A. ’Kate’ Ehrichs

Catherine Ann Christianson was born on November 12, 1933 in Halstad, MN to Ethel and A.H. Christianson. Kate graduated from Wanatah High School, Wanatah, IN and Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN in 1955 with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics and a minor in Accounting. Kate married the love of her life, Warren Ehrichs on February 28, 1981. They lived together in Moorhead, MN until his death December 27, 1998.Kate was still working and truly enjoyed her full time job at WalMart, in the Cash Office up until the time of her illness. Kate had a wide range of interests some of which included working with Warren in developing the Shark Personal Watercraft, attending a local Mensa group, and spending quality time with her blended family. Kate loved spending time outdoors, whether it was boating at the lake in the summer, fishing for walleye, riding on the back of her son Kevin's motorcycle or snowmobiling in the winter. She loved to travel, camp and visited many interesting places. She never met a challenge she would not take on, had a lively sense of humor and was always ready to have fun. Kate is survived by one sister: Mary Dan Shoop; one brother: David Christianson and six children: Kathleen Griffin, Bloomington, IN; Jennifer Thomas Arnold, Peoria AZ, Patricia Matsey, Michigan City, IN; step-sons Brent Renai Ehrichs, Moorhead, MN, and Kevin Cheryl Ehrichs, Dilworth, MN; step-daughter Valerie David Buchholz, Fargo, ND. Grandchildren: Amy and Tom Arnold; Elizabeth and Patrick Carter; Heather, Ben Rhiannon, and Matthew Ehrichs; Jeff Nikki and Chris Jennifer Ehrichs, and one great-grandchild Addie Ehrichs. Kate's final act was to give the gift of life through organ/tissue donation. In lieu of the usual remembrances, the family requests donations in Kate's memory be directed to LifeSource, Organ and Tissue Donation, 2550 University Ave. W. Ste. 315 South, St. Paul, MN 55114.