Catherine Ann Streiff

Catherine Ann Streiff, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024, at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, MN. She was born January 18th, 1933. Cathy grew up on her family farm near Oronoco. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1950 and attended Rochester Community College, where she met John Streiff. They were married in 1952 at St Bernard's Catholic Church in Stewartville. They later divorced but John and Cathy remained lifelong friends.
She worked at KROC TV, IBM, and for many years as the Food and Beverage Manager at the Kahler Hotel, retiring in the early 1990's.
Cathy very much enjoyed hosting and entertaining family and friends.
She loved sailing in Lake City and was one of the founding members of the Lake City Yacht Club. She taught sailing classes at Rochester Community College through the Red Cross, with on-water classes in Lake City. She continued to enjoy sailing in her retirement years.
Cathy was an avid bridge player, playing socially with friends, and competing in tournaments. One time at a major tournament in Omaha she played next to the table where Bill Gates and Warren Buffett were partners. Her greatest bridge accomplishments were being awarded the prestigious Dick Baker trophy in 2000 and achieving the rank of Grand Master.
Cathy is survived by a daughter Cindy Sandberg (Peter), sons Dave, Tom (Deb) in Rochester, Matt, in Red Wing, Dan (TJ) in Minneapolis, 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her ex-husband John and her eldest son Joe (Denise). Cathy will truly be missed by all who knew her.
It was Cathy's wish to donate her body to Mayo Clinic research. Her family will host a celebration of life in her honor at a later date.
Her entire family is grateful and thankful to the wonderful staff at Samaritan Bethany and Seasons Hospice for the remarkable care and compassion they provided their mother.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Samaritan Bethany or Seasons Hospice in Rochester MN.