Kathryn Ann Kanwischer

Kathryn Kanwischer, age 86, of Apple Valley, formerly of Fargo, ND, passed away surrounded by family and friends on July 25, 2025.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; and parents, Oliva and Mildred Sauvageau. Kathryn is survived by her children, Gary, Scott (Maureen), and Wanda (Paul Ward); grandchildren, Alex and Sam; sisters, Karen (Paul) Jahnke, and Mary (David) Brusven; and many nieces, nephews, and beloved cousins.

Born in Fargo, ND, Kathy spent most of her life in Fargo's North Side. In the early 1940s, her family moved to Berkley CA for a few years. Upon their return to Fargo, Kathy attended Central High School and Moorhead State University. At age 79, she sold her Fargo home of over 50 years and moved to Apple Valley MN to live with her daughter, Wanda, and be closer to her family. No matter where she lived, Kathy was always active with friends and family. She never missed her "potluck friends" get-togethers, a luncheon with cousins, birthday parties, neighborhood gatherings and weekends at Big Floyd Lake. Kathy found great joy at the lake. She loved the laughter of family during summer weekends, Whether sharing stories on the hill overlooking the lake, or enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee and the sound of loons, the lake was her happy place.

Kathy spent much of her working life at the phone company as a Directory Assistance Operator, a role that suited her perfectly. She had a calm voice, a quick mind, and a gift for helping people find what they needed - whether it was a number, a name, or a moment of kindness on the other end of the line. Long before smartphones and search engines, she

was the voice people turned to for answers. Her work connected her to the world in a quiet but profound way, and she took pride in being helpful, dependable, and patient every single day.

Beyond her career, Kathy loved her family and wanted to be involved in her children, grandchildren and sisters' families' lives. Whether attending her children's school and sporting events, hosting family parties or going to visit her sisters, she just enjoyed being a part of their lives. She enjoyed hearing the details of house projects, grappling with life decisions and keeping up with all the news of her beloved family. Every time one of her kids moved, mom was determined to help with the move and see their new homes.

Kathy loved animals. She enjoyed it when her son and grandsons visited with their dogs. She loved watching the animals in her Apple Valley backyard and seeing the birds play in her window mounted bird feeder. She found joy in traveling, gardening, flowers, music and was known for her kindness, humor, wisdom, and generosity. She was wise, never quick to judge and made everyone feel heard. Kathy was patient and was always cautious about providing correct and loving counsel with very kind and caring advice. Everyone who met her instantly liked her and no one ever spoke ill of her.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, August 1, 2025 at Easter Lutheran Church On the Hill, 4200 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan, MN 55122, with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM. A graveside service will take place 2:00 PM Saturday, August 2nd, at Holy Cross Cemetery North, 1502 32nd Ave. N., Fargo, ND.

Memorials preferred to Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 Elm Street Fargo, ND 58102 or online at https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z7P5/campaign/C-15HD5

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