Kathleen Atkinson

Kathleen H. "Kathy" Atkinson, age 69 of Freeport, died after battling pancreatic cancer for many years on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at the Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11a.m. Monday, March 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the church in Freeport. Goldenaires Senior Citizens, Christian Mothers, and the Freeport Lions will pray at 4 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 5 p.m. Sunday at the church in Freeport.

Kathleen Helen Klemmer was born July 2, 1941 in Albany, Minnesota to Norbert and Evelyn (Bredeck) Klemmer. She was united in marriage to Gerald "Jerry" Atkinson on August 3, 1963 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. They resided and worked in Freeport and later farmed North of Freeport for over 30 years. Kathy was a cook at the Sacred Heart Catholic School and also catered weddings and anniversaries at the Freeport Community Center for over 18 years.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, Christian Mothers, and the Freeport Lions. Kathy enjoyed bowling, having coffee with her friends, spending time with her grandchildren, and making homemade bread for others.

Survivors include her children, Steven (Tracie) Atkinson of Big Lake, Brian (Carolyn) Atkinson of Annandale, Mary Lieser of Melrose, Keith Atkinson of Freeport, and Russel (Katie Erickson) Atkinson of Waite Park; 14 grandchildren ; sisters, Theresa Schmiesing of Sauk Centre and Jean (Dan) Sunder of Albany; and brother, Mark (Jackie) Klemmer of Albany.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Atkinson on September 29, 2001; parents; and brother, Kenny Klemmer.