KATHLEEN JOHNSON

Kathleen "Kathy" Ann (Hudalla) Johnson, beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, was born on June 4, 1951, at Long Prairie Hospital in Minnesota. She died peacefully at home in Edina on April 3, 2026. Kathy leaves behind her husband, Mark; her sisters, Ilene Rauch, Angie Gill, Gwen Skillings, and Ann McConnell; her sister‑in‑law, Debbie Hudalla; and Mark’s siblings, Jeanne Shermer, Terry Johnson, Randy Johnson, Kenny Johnson, and Steve Johnson.

Kathy was the fourth of seven children born to Peter and Myrtle Hudalla of Clarissa, Minnesota. Growing up in a lively household of six girls and one boy, Kathy developed early the warmth, humor, and easy companionship that would become her lifelong trademarks.

A 1969 graduate of Clarissa High School, Kathy went on to study at Moorhead State University before transferring to Bemidji State University, where she earned her B.S. in English Education in 1974. She began her career as a high school English teacher in Braham, Minnesota, sharing her love of language, public speaking, theater, and literature with her students. After two years in the classroom, she followed her curiosity into new roles, working in bookstores, various customer service positions, and later as a Wings Financial teller - positions that suited her friendly nature and gift for connecting with people.

Kathy and her friend Mark found themselves working at the same establishment during the summer of 1976. Through a bit of serendipity and a shared sense of adventure, when Mark’s brother Gary asked him to test‑ride a pair of Kawasaki stand‑up Jet Skis from the company’s newly launched product line, Mark agreed and invited Kathy to join him. That weekend on the water sparked a partnership that would lead to their marriage on December 1, 1978, and to a lifetime of shared journeys.

Together, Kathy and Mark embraced opportunities to explore and make homes in new places, living in Oregon, returning briefly to Minnesota, then moving on to Colorado and Connecticut before settling back in Minnesota in 1996. Mark’s career in software consulting took them even farther afield, allowing them to travel to destinations as distant as Dubai and London, as well as to numerous places throughout the United States and Canada. They also visited brother Kenny and sister-in-law Akiko in Japan.  Wherever they went, Kathy brought her characteristic warmth, curiosity, and openness to new experiences.

Kathy’s life was shaped by her abiding faith in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was an active participant in church life, finding strength, purpose, and community in her faith. Her gentle spirit, compassion for others, and willingness to listen were reflections of the values she held close.

She will be remembered most for her cheerful and friendly demeanor, her ability to listen deeply, and her discernment and thoughtful advice. Kathy had a contagious laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. Perhaps her most endearing quality was her natural ease with children of all ages, many of whom were drawn to her kindness. Her gentle presence, generosity, and compassion enriched the lives of everyone who knew her. Her warmth and cheerfulness will be profoundly missed. “And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:6b)

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church (15321 Wayzata, MN 55391) with Pastor Adin Yoon officiating.

Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

A Luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at the church.

Inurnment will be in the Rice Lake Cemetery in Braham.

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