Katherine "Kathy" Skjeveland

Katherine (“Kathy”) Skjeveland, 89, of Austin, Minnesota, passed peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Cedars of Austin following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.

Kathy was born on May 20, 1937, in Montevideo Minnesota, to John Joseph and Rose Katherine (Thissen) Thein. She graduated from Clara City High School, then attended the College of St. Benedict and St. Cloud State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Kathy began her career as an elementary school teacher in Little Falls, Minnesota, and then moved to Austin to teach in the Austin Public Schools.

Lowell Skjeveland was working as a meat cutter at Zip’s grocery and noticed Kathy shopping, he obtained her phone number, and they began dating. On July 13, 1963, Kathy and Lowell were married in Clara City, and they made Austin their home. In addition to her teaching career, together they owned and operated two retail businesses, Zip’s Grocery and Meat Market and Lowell’s Liquors. Kathy thoroughly enjoyed hosting holiday open houses at the stores and built cherished customer relationships through the businesses.

Kathy returned to the classroom as an English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor at Riverland Community College, where she taught until her retirement. There she distinguished herself not only as an outstanding ESL teacher but also as a caring and supportive member of the community, helping scores of refugees and immigrants relocate to Austin and the surrounding area. Her educational and humanitarian efforts earned her the admiration and appreciation of her colleagues and students, many of whom stayed connected with her into retirement. Notably, she was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the governor of the Commonwealth in recognition of her service to others.

A lifelong learner, Kathy was a supporter of the fine arts, a student of history, and an avid traveler. She traveled with Lowell and a variety of friends and family members extensively throughout the United States and to many international destinations. One of Kathy and Lowell’s travel highlights was attending the Kentucky Derby festivities as she enjoyed hosting annual Kentucky Derby parties with her family, complete with festive hats and mint juleps. Kathy loved parties and family gatherings, always remembered birthdays and special events, celebrating every weekend with champagne and popcorn.

A caring and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Kathy cherished her family, her many friendships, and her Catholic faith. She was immensely proud of her family and took particular joy in her grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. She delighted in their lives and accomplishments and treasured the time she spent with them, creating memories and traditions that will remain with them always. In the later years of her life, Kathy faced a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Throughout that journey, Lowell was her primary and steadfast caregiver, caring for her with extraordinary devotion, patience, and love. His constant presence and commitment were a profound expression of the life and partnership they shared for more than six decades, and Kathy was deeply grateful for his care as her illness progressed.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lowell; her son, Eric (Susanne) Skjeveland of Jamison, Pennsylvania, and their children Hanna (Nick) Duncan of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Anders of Chalfont, Pennsylvania, and Niklas of Jamison; her daughter, Kristin Johnson of Austin and son-in-law Gregg Johnson, and their children Anna of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Kari (David) Kurbatsky of Vail, Colorado, and Braeden of Des Moines, Iowa; and her son, Paul (Kristine) Skjeveland of Campbellsburg, Kentucky, and their children Sarah of Columbus, Mississippi, and Rachel of Mankato, Minnesota. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Odin and Eira Kurbatsky and Katherine Duncan; her sister, Mary Jean Thein; her brothers, Anthony Thein, James (Sherri) Thein, John Thein (Pam Thein); sister-in-law, Peggy Thein; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene Skjeveland, Darrell (Janet) Skjeveland, Sharon Waller, Linda Skjeveland, Carol (Lawrence) Bruggeman, Leslie Skjeveland; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and godchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Rose Thein; grandchild, Christian Skjeveland; brother, Tom Thein; father and mother-in-law, Bernie and Jennie Skjeveland; sisters-in-law, Joan Deyo, Elaine Skjeveland; and brothers-in-law, Hugh Skjeveland, Richard Waller, Mike Deyo.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caring and supportive staff of the Cedars of Austin and Mayo Clinic Hospice.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Kathy will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Austin with Fr. James Starasinich officiating. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Alzheimer’s Foundation and Queen of Angels Church. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.