Khylene Kaye “Kaye” Upgren entered her heavenly home on February 14th, 2026.

Kaye was born October 10, 1942, in Minot, North Dakota, the eldest of six children born to Chet and Alta Hofstad. During her early years, while her father served in Europe during World War II, she and her mother resided in Minot. After his return, the family remained in Minot before moving to Ryder, North Dakota, where Kaye attended school. She graduated as valedictorian of Ryder High School in 1960.

Following graduation, Kaye attended Minot Business College. In January 1961, she accepted a secretarial position with the North Dakota Motor Vehicle Department. This began her career in the State Capitol, where she served as secretary to Bruce Hagen in Motor Vehicle and later the North Dakota Public Service Commission, ultimately concluding that chapter of her career as secretary and receptionist to Governor William L. Guy.

On April 3, 1965, she married Harold T. “Ted” Upgren Jr. After Ted accepted a position with the Job Corps program, the couple moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where their first son, Randall (Randy), was born. In 1967, the family relocated to Rugby, North Dakota, after Ted accepted a position as upland game biologist with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. 

While in Rugby, Kaye wore many hats. She provided childcare, sold Avon products, and took in typing work. Her most memorable role was as a compugraphic typist for the Pierce County Tribune and several surrounding newspapers. During the Vietnam War, she served as Executive Secretary for the Pierce County Selective Service Board. Two more sons were born during their years in Rugby: Robert (Bob) and Michael (Mike).

Kaye and Ted were active members of Bethany Lutheran Church, serving on church councils, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, advising youth, and helping establish a kindergarten program. Faith and service were central to her life.

In 1976, the family moved to Bismarck, where Ted continued his work with Game and Fish. Kaye again provided childcare, sold Avon, and did typing before accepting a position in 1981 as faculty secretary for the Bismarck School of Nursing. She later served as administrative secretary at Medcenter One School of Nursing, eventually known as Medcenter One College of Nursing. Her career there spanned more than 21 years. She was deeply respected and loved by colleagues and students alike, known as a trusted confidant and steady presence.

The family attended Lord of Life Lutheran Church, where Kaye once again served faithfully as a teacher, youth advisor, choir member, council member, and occasional pianist and organist. Later, Ted and Kaye became members of Charity Lutheran Church, where their son Randy served as youth director and later as teacher and education pastor. They were also among the founders of Inspire Family Fellowship, where Randy currently serves as head pastor. Kaye delighted in greeting new friends and especially enjoyed worship led by talented musicians and gifted singers.

Kaye dearly loved Ted, her devoted husband and caregiver of 60 years. They cherished camping trips, long drives filled with rich conversation, and nurturing the beautiful landscaping and gardens at each of their homes. Over time, they grew deeply intertwined—truly inseparable in every way. Kaye was also immensely proud of her sons and their families. Her greatest joy was time with her grandchildren. She treasured reading stories — sometimes in dark closets with a flashlight — family movie nights with everyone piled on Grandma’s bed, dancing to her favorite group, the Bee Gees, preparing vegetable stews, and playing Yahtzee and Monopoly (where Ethan usually won). She especially valued one-on-one conversations and occasional meals with her grandchildren, listening to their thoughts, hopes, and dreams.

Over the years, Kaye loved and cared for several canine companions: Heidi, a black Labrador; Tigger, a Tibetan Spaniel and her devoted guardian; Zetti, a Llewellin Setter and the family’s best hunter; and Sadie, an English Setter who insisted on holding Kaye’s hand whenever it rested over the couch — drool included.

She loved the seasons, especially fall, often saying the sun felt like a warm blanket. Snow delighted her, and Christmas was her favorite holiday — much to Ted’s dismay as he hauled out tote after tote of decorations. She cherished baking Christmas cookies with her grandchildren, frosting and sprinkles everywhere. One year, after decorating the tree, the grandchildren even performed a play they had written. Finding the pickle ornament hidden by Grandpa was always a treasured tradition. Kaye loved opening her home to family and friends for Christmas gatherings or simple coffee and cookies.

Despite decades of serious medical challenges, Kaye remained remarkably positive. She faithfully supported Ted throughout his career and health struggles, cared for her parents and siblings, and graciously stepped into the role of caregiver whenever needed. She loved her Lord deeply and sought to live her life as His servant.

Kaye loved her Lord and always sought to live her life as His servant. She is survived by her husband, Ted; their sons, Randy (Pamela), grandsons Joshua and Jordan (Mariah), and greatgrandson Lucas; Bob (Shaunna), granddaughters Tayva and Siri; and Michael (Melissa), granddaughter Bailey and grandson Ethan. She is also survived by her brothers, Jeffrey (Joy), nephews Michael and David; Gerald (Jennifer), nephews Justin, Tyler, Jordan, and Jerad, and nieces Kylee and Laura; nephew Jason, and nieces Tammy and Tanya; and niece Jessica Larson. Additional survivors include in-laws Dave and Lori Upgren (nephews Jim, Charles, and Daniel); Earl and Karen Peterson (nephew Mark and niece Mary); and Kirsten Anderson, (nephew Paul and niece Missy).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Alta Hofstad; her sister Kimberly; brothers, Alfred and Jack; nephew, Scott; her mother and father in-law, Harold and Ismey Upgren; and brother-in-law, Tom Anderson. 

Kaye’s legacy is one of faith, service, quiet strength, and enduring love for her family. She leaves behind a testimony of a life faithfully lived.

A funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, March 17, at Inspire Family Fellowship, 523 N 21st St, Bismarck, ND. Livestream link: Inspire Family Church.  

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday, March 16, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 PM.

Burial will be held inside Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Inspire Family Fellowship, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, or the Central Dakota Humane Society.