Kathleen Mae “Kathy” Rudolph passed away on February 25th at Essentia Hospital in Fargo after an extended illness.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, March 2, at United Church of Christ, 1200 E Highland Acres, Bismarck. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, with a prayer service and sharing of memories beginning at 6:00 pm, Sunday, March 1, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

Kathy was born on May 2, 1942, in the family home in Bantry, North Dakota, to Fred and Frances (Wormsbecker) Shafer. She was raised in Bantry and attended school there through the eighth grade. She later graduated from Towner High School.

After high school, Kathy worked at the McHenry County Treasurer’s Office. During that time, she met Michael Rudolph. They were married on December 29, 1961, in Bantry, North Dakota. Together they built a life centered on family and community and were blessed with two children, Robin and Reginal.

Over the years, Kathy stayed active in her community. She participated in Homemakers Clubs, bowled in local leagues, and was involved in church groups. She served as a 4-H leader for several years, taught Bible school, and helped with youth summer recreation programs. She had a heart for young people and gave generously of her time.

Kathy worked in several roles throughout her life. Her final employment was helping establish and manage the Knife River Credit Union in Hazen, North Dakota. She took pride in her work and the relationships she built there.

After retiring, Kathy began quilting to keep busy. Quilting quickly became more than a hobby. Many friends and family members, especially new babies, received one of her handmade quilts. Each one was a gift of time, care, and love.

When her four grandsons were born, they became her greatest joys. She treasured time spent babysitting, attending activities, and simply being Grandma.

Kathy enjoyed living at the lake in Garrison, on the water fishing and spending time with friends and family that came to visit.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Michael; her son, Reginal (Tamra) of Westminster, Colorado; her son-in-law, Marc Kress of Bismarck; and her grandsons, Dayley (Taylor) Rudolph of Timnath, Colorado; Dalton Rudolph of Chicago, Illinois; Tyler Kress of Bismarck, North Dakota; and Tanner (Jamie) Kress of Lisbon, North Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Robin; her parents, Fred and Frances Shafer; her brother, Robert Shafer; her sisters, Louise (Norbert) Petrick, Arlene (Shorty) Harrington, Janice (Jeff) Chigrow, Faye (Richard) Thomas, and Connie (Barry) Beyer; her father- and mother-in-law, Charles and Jessie Rudolph; her brother-in-law, Robert Rudolph; her sister-in-law, Cheryl (Dale) Kroeplin; and her sister-in-law, Judy Nather.

Kathy will be remembered for her steady presence, her generous spirit, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.

At the request of the family, if Kathy ever gifted you a quilt or you have a special quilt, please bring it to the church on the day of the memorial service. The beautiful patterns and fabrics of the quilts will be displayed as a reminder of Kathy's labor of love given to others.