Catherine Crain

Ninety-four years ago, Catherine Therese was born to Frank and Kate Gatzka in Springfield, Minnesota.  It was in Springfield where Cathy met her future husband, Jack Crain, at the Sota Ballroom.  Cathy and Jack were married on November 15, 1949, and their marriage thrived for 60 years!   

As a faithful Catholic, Cathy navigated her life while prioritizing her family.  She held dear her 9 children, 16 grandchildren, plus 16 little ones who call her “Grandma Great.”  Though all her children were perfect (!) angels, many prayers were (no doubt) said on their behalf.

Cathy enjoyed Catfish Days, traveling, square dancing, and dancing to Big Band music.  She always looked forward to the Chatter Club meetings and was involved in Civic Club, Altar Society, and community theater.  She also loved her job at the Lower Sioux History Center.

Cathy led a faith-filled life, setting an example of her kindness toward and acceptance of all.  She will be missed greatly and deeply by family and friends alike, who treasured her gentle manner, sense of humor, and quick wit.  

The wonderful staff at Garnette Gardens Care Suites in Redwood and the caring people of Hospice guided Cathy’s journey quietly into Jack’s arms in the early morning hours of January 26.  Cathy was also reunited with her daughter Teri, her son Dan, and her daughter-in-law Linda who passed before her.

Forever, Cathy will be missed by her son Pat of Franklin, MN; her son Charlie and his wife Mary of Mankato, MN; her son-in-law David Dickmeyer and Tami in Sioux Falls, SD, who were very dear to her; her daughter Toni and her husband Gene Lusian from Mesa, AZ; her son Jeff and his wife Michelle, who live in Ozark, MO; her daughter Mary and her husband Tim Dalien, who live in Spicer, MN; her daughter Becky, who can be found in Cornell, WI; and her son Joe and his wife Shauna, who live in Bedminster, NJ.  Cathy’s grands and great-grands will miss their grandma and “Grandma Great” always.

A 10:00 a.m. visitation for Cathy Crain, followed by an 11:30 a.m. funeral mass, is scheduled on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. Funeral mass will be lived streamed on St. Catherine's Catholic Church website.  Lunch will be served after the service.  Family and anyone who would like to join the family will proceed to St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery for burial of the cremains.

The Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Morgan and Redwood Falls are in charge of the arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent via www.nelson-hillestad.com.

Bless be her memory.