Kathryn Jane Wohlfeil

Kathryn “Kathy” Jane Wohlfeil, 75, of Austin, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

Kathy was born on July 3, 1950, in Waverly, Iowa, to David and Georgia Fangmeier. She was the oldest of five children. Kathy graduated from Osage High School and Hamilton Business College. Kathy was hired by Hormel in 1970, retiring in 2013. She spent almost 43 years at the Austin Plant Office. She was known for her strong work ethic. The lasting friendships she made and cherished over the years continued through coffee get togethers and lunches well into retirement.

On August 26, 1972, she married the love of her life, Steve, in Osage, Iowa. Together they shared almost 47 years raising their wonderful daughter, Jennie. They built a life centered around family, love, and unwavering support for one another.

A devoted sports fan, Kathy rarely missed cheering on her favorite teams—the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, Gophers, and especially the Iowa Hawkeyes. Even more important to her was supporting her family. She and Steve faithfully attended their daughter’s events and later their grandsons’ football and baseball games, never missing a chance to show their love and pride.

Kathy treasured time spent with Steve at LeMeiux Resort on Cedar Lake in Faribault. After Steve’s passing in 2019, returning there was not easy, but she found comfort in the memories they had created and was grateful she continued the tradition.

She was actively involved in her community over the years, serving as a Girl Scout leader for Jennie’s troop, participating in church activities, and enjoying time with friends and family. Kathy loved road trips, shopping outings, lunches out and making memories with those closest to her.

Above all, Kathy was a woman of tradition. Her family will forever carry on the meaningful moments she created—from Easter trips to the Hubbell House in Mantorville, sending her family to an annual Vikings game and the many beloved baked goods she made so well. Even in her final hours, she found comfort and joy in knowing these traditions would continue on.

Kathy is survived by her daughter, Jennifer “Jennie” Wohlfeil; her grandsons, Sam Esplan (Morgan Shipler) and Gavin Esplan (Alia Retterath); and her beloved granddog, Randy (Moss). She is also survived by her siblings, Linda (Howard) Majerus, Carla (Jay) Dennis, Bruce Fangmeier, and Brian (Jennifer) Fangmeier; sisters-in-law, Barb (Ron) Schmit and Karen (Bob) Peterson; nieces, Melissa Root and Rachel Fangmeier; nephews, Michael Majerus, Jayden Fangmeier, Rick Schmit, Tracy Schmit, Jason Jacobsen and Jerod Jacobsen; extended family, and countless dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Steve, in 2019; her parents, David and Georgia Fangmeier; and her in-laws, Calvin and Janet “Jennie” Wohlfeil.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Austin Eagles - time to be announced soon.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of St. Mark’s Rehabilitation for her brief stay, and to the compassionate doctors and nurses of Mary Brigh 6G ICU at St. Marys Hospital for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

The Hormel Institute Research Fund, 801 16th Ave. NE, Austin, MN 55912

LIFE Mower County, 401 2nd Avenue NE, Austin, MN 55912 or a charity of choice.

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.