Kathleen Ellen Lillehaugen

Kathleen Ellen Lillehaugen (née Reitter) was born to Floyd and DeEtte Reitter on August 25, 1939 in New Ulm, MN. She grew up in Renville, MN and as a teenager moved to Fargo, ND, graduating from Shanley High School in 1957. Kathie went on to study social work at College of St. Benedict, and in 1961 she began teaching elementary school in Minneapolis, MN. It was there that she met her husband of 59 years, Micheal L. Lillehaugen, marrying him in 1966. Anne Marie and Michael Reitter were born before they moved to Alexandria, MN in 1972, where youngest son Andrew Nels was born.

Kathie and Mike built a joyful and fulfilling life in Alexandria, where they made giving back and supporting their community a priority. They were involved in many different facets of Alexandria over the years, whether it was supporting youth hockey, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, or dedicating time and energy into the early days of the Legacy of the Lakes Museum and Gardens. Kathie truly believed Alexandria was the best place to raise a family, and after guiding her own children through high school, she began a second career in real estate. For the next ten years, she helped families find homes in the town she loved and welcomed many newcomers into the community.

Kathie was an amazing cook and generous host who loved gathering friends and family at their home on the lake. She was creative and talented, maintaining large gardens, sewing heirloom quilts, and refinishing furniture long before it was fashionable. She and Mike enjoyed traveling and spent many days at their condo on the north shore of Lake Superior and winters at their home in Gold Canyon, AZ. She loved games of all kinds- bridge with friends, puzzles, crosswords and sudoku- and mostly, challenging her kids and grandchildren in dominos. But above all else, Kathie prioritized Bible Study Fellowship and the peace and comfort her deep faith in Jesus Christ brought her throughout her life. How wonderful for her to celebrate Easter Sunday in heaven with family and friends and in the presence of her Savior.

Kathie will be remembered for her quick Irish wit and sharp sense of humor. She was smart and practical and a strategic advisor to her children through all stages of their lives. We will deeply miss her humor, her unwavering support and guidance, her ability to make any event worthy of celebration and magic. She was truly one of a kind and while her absence leaves a profound space in our family, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace in the arms of Jesus.

Kathie was preceded in death by her parents and all of Mike’s siblings, with the exception of his twin brother, MeRoy Lillehaugen. She is survived by her husband Mike, children Anne (Doug), Mike (Ann) and Andrew (Tonia); grandchildren Vince (Sarah), Annie, Christian, Josephine and Sydney; and great grandchildren Royce, Joseph and Chloe.

Memorials preferred to the Alexandria Area Community Foundation or Mount Carmel Ministries.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 4, 2026, 9:30  - 10:30 AM at the Anderson Funeral Home with a Funeral Service at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.