Kathleen Ann “Kate” Manahan, age 53 of Maiden Rock, WI, passed away March 26, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. Kathleen was born July 17, 1967 in Rochester, MN to Lawrence and Rosemary (Gardner) Manahan. She graduated from Saint Charles High School, with the Class of 1985. Kathleen worked as a registered nurse at Regions Hospital for many years.
Kate had a compassionate heart for others and was an exceptional nurse caring for her patients with such gentle kindness. She truly loved her job and enjoyed her friends at work and provided a great example in training in new nurses. Outside of her work, Kate delighted in her time at home, raising, watching and tending to her animals – her sheep, goats, dogs, ducks and chickens.
Auntie Kate was also the quintessential perfect aunt. She loved to take her nieces and nephew on adventures throughout the Twin Cities, visiting museums, restaurants, and joining art classes. Whenever the kids planned to visit, she made sure to pack the schedule with a variety of fun! She also loved to go on junk hunts and shopping for vintage and antique items. She had a talent for sniffing out hidden little gems of stores and always bringing home unique items.
Kathleen was able to combine her valuable nursing skills, her love of travel, and her love of flowers and plants, by volunteering to go on several medical disaster relief trips to Haiti and the Philippines. She and her friends funded these these trips by hosting annual plant sales at her home in St. Paul. Her perennial gardens at Calamity Acres are beautiful and she has enjoyed sharing them with her family and friends.
Kate will remain in the hearts of her siblings, Lorraine Himrich of Custer, SD, Walter Manahan of Hulette, WY, Raymond (Kris) Manahan of St. Francis, MN, Barb (Steve) Thompson of Ely, MN and Scott Manahan of Newcastle, WY; nieces & nephews: Aaron (Anna) Himrich, Galen (Kyle) DeReu and Abigail and Kelly Thompson; great-niece, Mackenzie Himrich; her father Larry’s longtime companion, Ellen Dahl; aunt, Lucille Kuhl of Chester, MN; many other relatives; and her loyal dog, Fergus.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Rosemary in 1982; father, Lawrence “Larry” James Manahan in 2015; grandparents, Esther and Walter Gardner; grandparents, Matt and Adelene Manahan; brother-in-law, Mark Himrich; many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mass of Christian Burial (masks and social distancing required) will take place 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 1900 East 6th St., St. Charles, MN, with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to Mass at the church. A Celebration of Kate’s life will be further held 2:00 PM Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Calamity Acres Farm in Maiden Rock, WI.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home of Ellsworth, WI (715) 273-4421. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
