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Kathryn Nilsen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kathryn Nilsen
Harriet
September 27, 2025
Hard to believe it's been 10 years and I still miss her
Harriet Jernquist
September 27, 2024
Think of her a lot and am glad to be in touch with her children and grandchildten
Harriet cousin
September 27, 2023
I still miss her and can't believe it's been so long ago she died. Harriet, cousin
Harriet 9Johnsen) Jernquist
September 27, 2022
It seems hard to believe so much time has passed since Kathy died. Some of my memories are so clear it seems only yesterday we talked. Harriet Jernquist cousin
Harriet Jernquist
September 27, 2019
I still miss her and can't believe it's been 4 years
Christy Anderson
May 19, 2016
I never had the chance to get to know Kathy real well. Only met her once, and was blessed to be able to visit with her for about ten minutes when she was with Laura, Kevin, and the girls at church. Yet with just the brief minutes that I had with her, it was beyond obvious that she loved the Lord, and that she was without a doubt grateful as could be to Him for the two daughters, son-in-law, and three precious granddaughters that God had blessed her with. Mary, you were without a doubt His Vessel, His Servant, and His Child; and I look forward to meeting again one day, in Glory!
Mary Adah Malavolti
December 1, 2015
I only found out when I tried to email her today that Kathy is now with God and with Ralph. She was a true living gemstone, a wonderful loving friend, a great blessing. My sympathy to all who loved her -- especially Laura and Corinna.
Carrie Trinkle
October 13, 2015
I was saddened and shocked to learn of kathys passing, it was always an intersting conversation while giving kathy her pedicure, and she enjoyed talking about her grandchildren, they were very special to her, she will be greatly missed. God blessing your family
Diane Flescher
October 11, 2015
Kathryn has a big, close family that will always keep her in their hearts. Now she is with her husband and her Lord. May she rest in peace.
Jill Hihnsen
October 9, 2015
Kathy was extraordinary for her kindness, generosity, love, humility, and forgiveness. Her passing is heartbreaking. I know her to be an exceedingly peaceful person, and that she has found greater peace.
Kincaid Brown
October 8, 2015
I was so sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. Kathy was a wonderful, special person who really cared about others. We will miss her.
Heidi Rawson
October 8, 2015
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Kathy's untimely death. We always had plans to get together soon!! Sad how quickly time slips away until it's too late! :( I first knew Kathy as an ILL voice back when she was at KPL and I was at WMU and she was the only one work related that came to see me at Bronson Hospital when my second child was born and where we first met face to face! We had a special friendship after that and I regret not keeping in better contact. My condolences to the family.
Marilyn Hopkins
October 7, 2015
Kathy was a special person who shared her love always with others. She was most kind to me after the death of my husband. I will miss her annual Christmas cards and the conversations we had when I visited family in Michigan.
Bob & Judy Laverack
October 7, 2015
Laura and family, we are so sorry for loss. Anyone who has lost a family member know what you are feeling. Our hearts and prayers are going to you and your family. I never met her but Mom's are very special people. The girls are old enough to remember her and I am sure they will. That picture of Lilly and her was a great one.
Donna Schiller
October 7, 2015
The world has lost a very sweet and gentle
soul. My deepest condolences to the family.
May you find Strength, Peace and Comfort from those who cared so much for Kathy.
Harriet Jernquist
October 7, 2015
I will miss our Friday night chats and all the enrichment she brought to my life and that of her family and extended family.
Roxanne Leder
October 7, 2015
The ultimate tribute- "the world was a better place because she was here" and remains better with her family she loved. Laura, my heart goes to you and your family during this hard time. Moms are a treasure, keep her in your heart and know you will be together again.
Emma Arana-Heisler
October 7, 2015
Dear Laura,
I loved that you wrote: "the World was a better place because she was here" on your Mom's obituary. I know all the great things she passed on to you, you are passing on to your daugthers,rest of your family, friends and whoever you meet.You,by being who you are and sharing as you do, keep your Mom's legacy alive.
Diane Boydell
October 6, 2015
Dear Laura and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories of your mother/grandmother make you stronger with each new day. She will always be near and watching over you. May you see her many times over in your dreams. Thinking and praying for all of you.
Diane Boydell
October 6, 2015
Dear Laura and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories of your mom/ grandmother make you stronger with each new day. She will always be near and always watching over you. May she visit you often in your dreams.
Diane B
October 6, 2015
Dear Laura and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. May your memories of your mom/ grandmother make you stronger with each new day. She will always be near and always watching over you. May she visit you often in your dreams.
Jessica Williams
October 6, 2015
Kathy was family, despite the lack of blood connecting us. I'd like to think of her as my aunt from another grandmother. My life is a little less without her in it. My condolences.
October 6, 2015
Condolences to Kathy's family. So glad I got one last hug Thiursday at our class lunch. I will miss her, but lots of good memories will continue.
Barb Wenk Pruess
Jane and Bob Pangle
October 6, 2015
I so wish I had met Your Mom Laura and been able to tell her what a fine daughter she has. Plus how much we enjoy calling her granddaughters our special little neighbor friends that loved telling us about their Grandma.
Karen Wilson
October 5, 2015
Kathy shared her love and our family history and made me feel like we were sisters. I am so sorry for her passing. I know how much the Lord is comforting all of us and hold Kathy and her family in my heart and prayers. Much love, Karen
Donald DeYoung
October 5, 2015
With our supportive love and prayers / Don and Jacqueline DeYoung
Jill Baker
October 5, 2015
Kathy was unfailingly kind to everyone and she will be deeply missed at the law library. I'm sorry to say that I am out of town and unable to attend services for her, but I will be thinking of her and will spend some time enjoying the ocean on her behalf.
Pastor Dar VanderWal
October 5, 2015
Laura and Kevin and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers for Gods' comforting presence to surround and uphold you in the days and months to come.
In Christ's Love,
Shana Burke & Chauntay Hutting
October 5, 2015
Kathy's smile made you smile in return while her generosity and extension were always part of her personality traits... I can see her, Ralph, Mrs. White, with smiles on their faces sitting in the backyard of a little white house on Sharon Hollow Rd...content that they leave quality legacies to follow.
Jocelyn Kennedy
October 5, 2015
Kathy and I last worked together in 2010, but every time she sent an ILL to my new school, she included a warm note. Her family knows better than anyone what a truly kind person Kathy is; I'm glad I knew her and I am so sorry for your loss.
A colleague
October 5, 2015
It was always such a pleasure seeing Kathy's smiling face around the law school. So very, very sorry to hear this, and most sincere condolences to her family for this loss. She made the world around her a happier place.
Rhonda Ash
October 5, 2015
Heaven has received an angel.
Brenda Falkowski
October 5, 2015
I work at the UM Law School and Kathy and I would always meet in the staff Tea Room or at the elevators and have our little chats. I am so glad I was able to meet her in my path of life. I will surely miss seeing her smiling face and may God bless the family. My sympathies are with you.
Laura Harlow
October 5, 2015
Kathy was one of the most kind and gentle woman I have had the privilege of knowing. She always asked about family. I was amazed she remembered so much about each one even though she did not know them. She will truly be missed. I miss her already. My thoughts are with her family.
Alexis Zirpoli
October 5, 2015
I am saddened to know that I won't get to know Kathy better, but am gladdened by knowing her at all. She was so welcoming and sweet. My condolences to all who loved her and held her dear.
Honey Jernquist
October 5, 2015
Love
Barbara Garavaglia
October 4, 2015
Kathy was a wonderful and caring person. She was unfailingly cheerful with a smile and a kind word for everyone. I will miss her. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
David Rich
October 4, 2015
Any Irwin is greatly indebted to Kathy for her countless hours of family history research. She will be greatly missed. Kathy fair thee well...
Sarah White
October 4, 2015
Kathy was one of a kind. We are lucky to have known her and even luckier to be able to call her cousin. She will be missed!
Taken in May 2015 during a visit.
Rachel Baker Ford
October 4, 2015
I have cherished Kathy's friendship for a long time. She was indeed one of the world's gentle and kind persons. I miss her.
Diana Slaughter
October 4, 2015
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Kathy was universally kind and gracious. It was a privilege to work with her. I will miss her very much.
Margaret Leary
October 4, 2015
Kathy was loyal and hard-working, and always had a good word and smile at the ready. I am sorry I did not know she was in the hospital. It seems only yesterday I hugged her at the Chelsea Methodist Church at her husband's memorial. I wish her whole family the relief that love and good memories can bring in times of such sadness and loss.
Bobbie Snow
October 4, 2015
What a terrible loss. I am stunned and saddened. She was such a wonderful person. I never, ever, heard her say one negative thing about anyone. I stopped in to see her briefly just the other day and I am so glad I did. I can't imagine not being able to do so again.
Wendy Gronbeck
October 3, 2015
Kathy was an unfailingly sweet and loyal friend. I will miss her lovely spirit.
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