Kathleen K. Fladeland

Dec. 13, 1945 – Nov. 14, 2024

Kathy Kay Fladeland passed away Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Lovell.

She was born on December 13, 1945, in Fairmont, Minnesota, to Francis and Ruth Lind McDonald. She was the ninth of 10 children. 

Kathy spent her early years growing up on a farm in Granada, Minnesota, where she graduated from high school. After graduation she worked numerous jobs. Before moving to Montana, she was employed at a children’s home in Jackson, Minnesota. In 1964, inspired by her sister Patty, Kathy moved to Poplar, Montana, and applied for a CNA position at Poplar Community Hospital and was hired the very next day. 

It was at the hospital that she met her future husband, Robert Fladeland. After going on a double date with her niece Sharie and her date, the two fell in love and married just three months later on May 22, 1969. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Kim, and three years later their second daughter, Mary. 

Kathy was devoted to her career, working as a CNA for 40 years, during which she built lasting friendships with her co-workers and community members. She had a gift for making people feel comfortable and was often a trusted confidant. 

Kathy enjoyed a variety of hobbies including reading, painting, card games and crossword puzzles. She also became involved in quilting at the Lovell senior center. 

She took pride in her beautiful yard, which featured a vibrant flower garden. When she wasn’t home, she could often be found at the local convenience store trying her luck on gambling machines. 

Known for quick wit and sharp humor, Kathy was always ready with a clever comeback of a joke. As her granddaughter fondly recalls, she was “full of spice” right up until the end.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; granddaughter Ashley Fladeland with whom she will be laid to rest; brothers Richie, Gene, Jerry, Leo and Larry; sisters Helen and Patty; and parents, Francis and Ruth McDonald.

Kathy is survived by her sisters, Janet (Bruce) and Amanda; daughters Kim and Mary (Matthew); granddaughters Angel and Julie; great-grandchildren Austyn, Aidyn, Ashyr, Karter and Osiris (Angel’s children) as well as Ivyn, Rhilynn and Lakiya (Julie’s children); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends; and best friend, her dog Izzy.

Cremation has taken place. Rosary will be held on Friday, Nov. 22, at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lovell. Funeral services will follow at 10 a.m.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Sharie Loegering for all she has done for Kathy. We love you.

Kathy would like to leave everyone with an Irish blessing:

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rain fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Amen.