Kathleen ‘Kathie’ Gilbert, age 75 of Stillwater, died on August 15, 2018.

Kathie was born on November 30, 1942 to LaVerne and Grace (Eichten) Amundson in Stillwater, Minnesota. She grew up in the St. Croix Valley River area and graduated from Hudson High School with the Class of 1960. Kathie was united in marriage to Robert Gilbert and together they were blessed with 3 children, Lisa, Michelle, and Craig. Even though that marriage would later be dissolved, Kathie and Robert always had respect for each other. Kathie spent some time working for dental offices before moving to 3M, with whom she spent 30 years as a cost accounting clerk.

At the young age of 21, Kathie was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. Even though this news was discouraging, it didn’t stop Kathie from beating the odds. She lived much longer than doctors expected and found a zest for life and family like never before. Kathie was strong-willed and determined to enjoy life as much as possible. She gave back to so many others in her life, including others who had diabetes like her. She walked every year in the annual walk for diabetes, gave to multiple charities, and was always there for her family and friends. Kathie was kind and full of compassion. She had a strong faith and it gave her strength to keep reaching new heights in life. Kathie was the life of the party! She always made sure there was an abundant amount of food at every event and that everyone felt like they were at home. She took great pride in planning her class reunions and loved being the clown at 3M and making people smile. Her number one purpose in life was being a fantastic mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend. Kathie was a one of a kind woman who simply wanted to give back to others because she appreciated all that she had.

Kathie will remain in the hearts of her children, Lisa (Tom) Steinke, Michelle Gilbert, and Craig (Stephanie) Gilbert; grandchildren, Stephen (Katie) Steinke and Mark Steinke; sister, Mary Jo Thoeny; nephew, Steven Thoeny; niece, Emily Peltier; great nieces and nephews, Kelsey, Krista, Kara, and Kenzie Thoeny, and Ethan and Paige Peltier; father of her children, Robert Gilbert; as well as her extended families, the Amundsons, the Gilberts, the Blocks, and the Eichtens; and her dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, LaVerne and Grace Amundson.

Visitation for Kathie will be held from 5-8PM on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Monday, August 20 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1500 Vine St., Hudson, WI; with a visitation one hour prior to mass. Interment will take place in the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Juvenille Diabetes, St. Paul Heart Clinic, or United Hospital. Services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson.