Kathryn L. Matthees

Kathryn was born to John and Ida Schwartau in Goodhue County, MN on August 31, 1917. She passed away peacefully on October 23, 2013 at Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead at the age of 96. Following graduation from Red Wing High School in 1935, she worked for several years and then earned a degree in Home Economics from the University of Minnesota in 1943. Kathryn was a member of Clovia, Sigma Epsilon Sigma and Omicron Nu. She valued education and was very proud that all of her children earned academic degrees.

Kathryn worked as an extension agent in Otter Tail County for 3 years before she married Nick Matthees in June 1946. Nick purchased Rigel Refrigeration in February 1947 and they established their home in Moorhead. After the death of Nick in 1966, Kathryn accepted the challenge to run Rigels with the help of family and many faithful employees until her retirement in 2004 at the age of 87.

Kathryn was very involved with many Fargo Moorhead organizations including Trinity Lutheran Church, Concordia College, Camp Fire Girls, Lionesses, American Legion Auxiliary, Prosequi Study Group, United Way of Cass-Clay, the Republican Party and many others. In 1991 she received the Frances Erickson Award from the Clay County Republican Party.
Kathryn was an avid reader who enjoyed traveling and politics. She delighted in cooking, sewing, and making pajamas for her grandchildren. In 1983 she purchased a cabin on Pelican Lake that became a beloved gathering place for friends and for four generations of family who were able to enjoy her fabulous food and hospitality.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, husband Nick, sisters Mary, Gertrude, Ruth and brother John.

She is survived by her children: Anne Dave Pudas, of Brooklyn Park MN, Charles Barbara, PhD Matthees of Moorhead MN, Robert Carolyn Matthees of Lake Park MN, Dr. Donald Jane Matthees of Fargo ND, Rebecca Dr. Patrick McCaskey of Athens GA, and Marjorie Matthees of Moorhead MN. Grandchildren: Sara Bob Schreiber, Andrew Pudas, Susan Ronald Blum, Jennifer Jerry Sondag, Elizabeth Spencer Stowers, Christopher Matthees, Ann McCaskey, Nick Alison Matthees, John Samantha McCaskey, Cody Matthees, Cameron Aakre and Grant Matthees. Great-Grandchildren: Cora Schreiber, Eleanor Stowers, and Xander Sondag. She is also survived by sister-in-law Bernice Schwartau, brother-in-law John Ardelle Matthees, sister-in-law Gladys Matthees and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Eventide for their wonderful care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to: Eventide Foundation 2405 8th Street S, Moorhead, MN 56560, or the charity of your choice.

Visitation: Friday, October 25, 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead.

Funeral service: Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead.

Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.