"I was a sophomore in high school when Kathy was a senior. We both played alto sax. I read about her passing on a Friday evening and was immediately transported to another Friday evening 42 years ago when the marching band did a half time show at the football game. Kathy was so supportive of this underclassperson in learning the ins and outs of the routine. She was also my partner when the band split up and marched up the center of the field 2 by 2. I?m sure many found it amusing (and I still do) that we were such a mismatched pair, since she was more than a foot taller than I was. She was kind and gracious then and I see that carried through the rest of her life. I know she will be missed. Peace, comfort, and blessings to all who loved her."
In loving memory of
Kathryn M Remtema
November 6, 1961 - October 7, 2021
Kathryn Marie Remtema "Kathy", 59, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Heartland Hospice House in Owatonna, MN.
Kathy was born November 6, 1961 in Rochester to George and Charlotte (Boelter) Sprague. She was a graduate of Windom High School in Windom, MN. After graduating, Kathy went to work as a para professional/ vocational technical tutor for Rochester Public schools for 23 years. Kathy married Allan Falk in 1983 and they had three children and later divorced. Kathy then met her "soulmate" Paul Remtema and they were married May 27, 1995. Kathy was the choir director at Community Presbyterian Church for many years before becoming a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church. She had a passion and appreciation for music and was an avid piano player. Kathy also loved acting in melodramas, flower gardening and playing rec volleyball on a couples league with her husband, Paul. Kathy's other passion and dedication in life was caring for her students with developmental disabilities. She was very intuitive and empathetic in her job. She was a faithful woman of Christ but also possessed a humorous and sarcastic side. Her charismatic personality will be missed by all who knew her.
Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Paul; children, Krystal (Dustin) Lennie, Adam (Jessica) Falk, Apryl (John Tighe) Falk; step-daughters, Hannah (Alex) Pritchard, Megan (Chris) Miller; grandchildren, Athan, Jordan, Aubryn, Dean, AnnMarie, Rowan and one on the way. Kathy is also survived by her brother, Robert (Janet) Sprague; sister-in-law, Mary Brooks; mother-in-law, Rena Remtema; niece, Olivia Sprague; nephew, Jonathan Brooks and a host of other family and friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, George and Charlotte Sprague and by her father-in-law, Gordon Remtema.
A memorial service to celebrate Kathy's life will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2830 18th Ave. NW, Rochester with Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Kathy's memory to Outward Bound, 910 Jackson St. Suite 140, Golden, CO 80401 or to MercuryOne.org, specifically The Nazarene Fund. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Remtema family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Makes me really sad. She was a great swimming buddy in the summers?. We took WSI together in Worthington and got hired at the same time as lifeguards and swimming teachers at the municipal pool. We also had many memorable times in band and choir. A few years ago, she rented a vrbo in St. Peter and invited about 10 high school friends to come and visit together and share memories and fun times together while she was still feeling pretty good. She was so pleased with her family and so happy and blessed (her words) in her marriage with Paul. She was a good person with a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh! I?m sad and will miss her presence in this life??but I?ve no doubt her faith has left her in a wonderful place where she?ll suffer no more! Bless her heart. And I pray for comfort and peace for her family. She will be missed. God?s Peace until we meet again. ????? ?Robin Hanson"
"Paul and family, my sincere condolences for your loss."
"Paul I am sadden by the loss of Kathy. She was always smiling. I am glad I got to know her over the years. My thoughts are with you and your family. "
"Kathy was always so pleasant with no complaints as she involved herself in everything she could, when she could. Our condolences on a big loss for you and your family, Paul. Special memories live on !"
"I went to school with Kathy, graduating class of 1980. My deepest sympathy to Kathy's family. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bonnie Ramsey-Davis "
"Kathy was our choir director at Community Pres. She started our practices with a joke. Always fun and good natured. Paul and Kathy opened their home to our choir many times. Always a smile and good humor."
"Paul: Sorry for your loss, thinking of you. Gary Mullen-Schultz"
"Please accept our sincere condolences. Kathy was a wonderful neighbor. Catherine Ewing and Gary Bornfleth "
"Kathy, my cousin, had beautiful eyes, a wonderful smile, and a sly sense of humor. She was one of the most tenacious people that I've ever known. She was talented, caring, supportive, and fun. She will be missed."