Kathleen Giere

Kathleen Karen Giere, 82, of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on June 9, at Gunderson St. Elizabeth's Care Center in Wabasha, MN.

She was born in Willow River, MN on July 14, 1941, to William and Ruth (Priebe) Pembleton. Kathy was united in marriage to Jon Giere on January 2, 1982, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. Kathy retired from IBM in 1992 and spent the rest of her years enjoying life and traveling with her devoted husband.

Kathy was a natural with music; she loved her baby grand. She sewed and quilted beautiful works of art. She had a zeal for biking, camping, gardening and always had the most beautiful flowers. She loved to cook for others and made the most delicious pecan pies. She loved spending time with her family and friends and was a caring, loving, patient mother to all generations of her children.

Preceding her in death were her parents; daughter, Heidi Boysen; son, Thomas Boysen; and brother, Glenn Pembleton. She is survived by her husband, Jon Giere of Rochester, MN; son, Peter (Kris) Boysen of Duluth, MN; step-daughters, Wendy (Lawrence) Frye of Atlanta, Georgia, Michelle (Rick) Babcock of Wabasha, MN, Sandy (Kevin) Furr of Rochester, MN; daughter-in-law Deanna Boysen of Isanti, MN; sisters Bonnie Hotopp of Racine, MN; Diana (Leroy) Fors of Oracle, AZ; many nieces and nephews, 18 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, June 17 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Pl. NW, Rochester MN 55901). Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester at a later date.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Giere family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit ranfranzandvinefh.com.