Katherine "Kay" Ward

Katherine "Kay" Ward, 83, of Chatfield, died Tuesday morning, April 17, 2012, at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield.

Katherine was born May 15, 1928, in Red Wing, one of 13 children of David and Alfreda (Matter) Gadient. She lived with her family in rural Goodhue until her graduation from Goodhue High School in 1945. Katherine lived in Rochester and worked for the Mayo Clinic until her marriage to Louis Ward in 1949. They were married St. Columbkill's Catholic Church in Belle Creek.

Kay retired from IBM in June 1986 after 20 years of service. Kay was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was an avid golfer until 2011, enjoyed fishing, boating, her cabin in Wabasha, bowling and many other activities. Kay was also a quilter and cheerfully did many things for her church, her community and her family. Kay received a Bishop's Medal from Bishop John Quinn of the Diocese of Winona in December 2011 for her many good works for her church. Kay was a longtime member of St. Mary's Altar Society, did charitable quilting, coordinated Meals on Wheels for 22 years for her church, and made over 98,000 rosaries for the missions over 20 years. Kay continued making rosaries to the day of her death.

She loved her family and each and every grandchild and great- grandchild knew and loved her well. Her greatest devotion was to God and she had a true admiration for the Virgin Mary. She was also devoted to her loving family and many friends. Blessed be her memory.

Kay is survived by her husband, Louis; her son-in-law, Jim Priebe of Rochester; her sons, Dave (Marcia) of Eyota and Don (Billie) of Faribault; two daughters, Rita Lawson (Patrick) and Maureen Ruskell (Gary) both of Chatfield; 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren; four brothers, Father Peter Gadient of Lincoln, Neb., Robert Gadient (Berdell), of Goodhue, William Gadient (Kay) of Goodhue and Raymond Gadient (Ruth) of Frontenac; and one sister, Regina McComas Morelan of Faribault.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter, Jean Priebe (Jim), and her siblings Margaret Gadient, Bernard Gadient (Agnes), John Gadient (Shirley), Rosemary Lodermeier (Len), Gerald Gadient (Nita), Francis Lodermeier (Ed) and David Gadient (Char).

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chatfield. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. A reception will follow at the church.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary's Church from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday April 20, with a rosary prayer at 7:30 p.m.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is in charge of arrangements. 507-867-4310.