Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Kathleen Gaarde Obituary
Gaarde was a financial analyst who supported the organization responsible for the shipyards, her husband, Douglass, wrote in an email to the AP early Tuesday.
Douglass Gaarde declined to speak, but wrote that he was unable to sleep.
"Today my life partner of 42 years (38 of them married) was taken from me, my grown son and daughter, and friends," he wrote. "We were just starting to plan our retirement activities and now none of that matters. It hasn't fully sunk in yet but I know I already dearly miss her."
Madelyn Gaarde, of Grand Junction, Colo., who's married to Douglass Gaarde's brother, said her sister- and brother-in-law met while he was studying electrical engineering at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
Douglass Gaarde, an Illinois native, also worked for the Navy until his retirement last year, his sister-in-law said.
"She was a very gracious person and very welcoming," she said of Kathleen Gaarde.
___
Associated Press writers Amanda Kell, Ben Nuckols and Allen G. Breed contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
24 Entries
HDB
January 8, 2017
Look to God as the one who will end suffering and restore the earth back to peaceful conditions (Psalms. 37:9-11). Please accept my condolences.
R
May 27, 2014
Please accept my sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends may the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such a tragic loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. 2 Cor. 1:2,3.
Vasilios Emmanuel Glimidakis
October 16, 2013
Dear Gaarde and other families,
I am sorry for your loss. God bless her and her family.
How you can show support
Bob Thurston
September 23, 2013
Mr. Gaarde,
I wanted to offer you my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your wife, and to tell you of a special tribute she received in Tallahassee on Saturday.
The FSU Marching Chiefs' halftime show had already been planned as a "military appreciation" theme - they played each of the five service songs. After Monday's tragic events, they added an arrangement of the Navy Hymn ("Eternal Father, Strong to Save").
The Chiefs opened their show with "Eternal Father," in remembrance of all the victims, but with a special dedication to Kathleen.
I thought you would like to know. Again, my sincere sympathies. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Robert Borden
September 23, 2013
Dear Douglass,
I've missed you a lot over the years, and think about you often. I'm very sorry about Kathy. How bizarre. My wife died two years ago in a sudden and shocking way. Weird that we should have such a thing in common. My observation about death is that it is always accompanied by irony, as if it were some big cosmic joke (as Bob Dylan said). I don't know if that's especially comforting, but it does seem to point to a big truth. Please stay in touch with me when you're able: [email protected]. Take care.
Stacey W.
September 23, 2013
I'm so sorry that Kathy was taken from you. I worked with Kathy at the NAVY yard for 2 years. She was such a sweet and wonderful lady. Thinking of you all. Praying you can find comfort in the wonderful memories that you have in your heart.
September 22, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Death will soon be a thing of the past and you will be able to see KATHLEEN GAARDE again in the new future. Death and tears will be no more. H.G, South Car.
Joyce Daemicke Rodgers
September 21, 2013
Doug, Many years ago we were friends as teenagers. Later as young adults, Robert Borden and I visited you in Florida (1973) when we met Kathy. When I read the news story, I knew it was you who had suffered this loss. I am so very sorry to learn of this and send you my deepest condolences.
Joyce Daemicke Rodgers, formerly of Glenview, Illinois
crystal alexander-freyvogel
September 20, 2013
Doug, Chris, and Jessica, There are no words to truly say how sorry I am for your loss. Kathy was one of sweetest people I have ever known. My family sends their deepest regards to the three of you. Jessica you will always have a special place in my heart and Chris I will never forget your quick whit as a child. Our summers of fun filled field trips and countless days of crafts still seem like just yesterday. I will never forget Grandma Laurie and all help on our trips to the zoo and parks around Lake Ridge.
Sincerely, Crystal Alexander-Freyvogel
September 20, 2013
Doug....Long time since NTW High School, but I realized when reading the news about this tragedy that you had lost your wife.
I am so sorry for your loss and send my deepest condolences.
Susan Bogie
Bratt and Family
September 20, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with the Gaarde family as you join yourselves unitedly to comfort one another. Our prayer is that your hearts be uplifted as you look forward to a time when death will be no more.
September 20, 2013
Doug, so sorry to hear that Kathy was one of the victims Monday. My sincerest sympathies to you and your family.
J. Sargent
Callie Harper
September 20, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Kathy was a friend/client at Vincent & Vincent Salon and we will miss her. She was a wonderful woman.
Sonia Chilton
September 19, 2013
Doug,
My heart is broken for your loss. You were my first client ever in 1991, at NAVSEA, and left an immeasurable impression that lasted my entire career. I saw your interview with Anderson Cooper and just prayed for you and your beautiful daughter. God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Sonia Chilton
September 19, 2013
Doug and Family, Kathy and I carpooled together for several years. We also kept in touch with lunches and e-mails. I am so very sorry that she has been taken from us. I will miss our e-mails. We had many discussions on roller bladeing and biking. I will keep you in my prayers. Diana Heselius
Ed Zdankiewicz
September 19, 2013
Doug,
So sorry about the tragic loss of Kathy. May God bless you and your family and keep you strong at this very difficult time.
September 19, 2013
I know that words can not express how difficult this must be for you but i am so very sorry please accept my deepest sympathy.
G Bingham
Kathleen Fenk
September 19, 2013
My deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Hilva Allen
September 19, 2013
To Kathy's family, I know words are not enough to ease the pain of this tragedy. Kathy and I worked together, mostly via telephone, though she did come down to NNSY once. We'd kept in contact ever since. She was a very special lady, and we are lucky that she walked this earth with us.
Emery M. Roman
September 18, 2013
Please accept my heart felt condolences for your loss. Kathie worked with me on the Taiwan Navy Standard Missile program. She was a wonderful person to work with and just a one of a kind person. God Bless the Gaarde Family and may Kathie Rest In Peace.
DStallings
September 18, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Scott Chamberland
September 18, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Maryellen
September 18, 2013
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Kathleen Gaarde. A terrible tragedy. May Kathleen R.I.P.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Kathleen Gaarde's name
How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kathleen Gaarde's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored