Katherine Bjorgaard, 55, died on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at MeritCare Northwest in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 21, 2009 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden, MN with Rev. David Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Viking Cemetery, Viking, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Thursday.

Katherine Marie Hodny was born on March 26, 1954 at Park River, ND to Daniel and Edith (Kelley) Hodny. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She attended elementary school in Lankin, ND and then her family moved to Newfolden for her high school years. She graduated from Newfolden High School in 1972. She attended one year at Northland Community and Technical College.

She married her high school sweetheart, Robert John Bjorgaard on November 25, 1972 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Newfolden. They made their home in rural Viking, MN for the past many years. Kathy worked several places including Borsheim Printing, Northern Pride, Marshall County Central School District, they also owned Big A auto parts for about 16 years in Thief River Falls. In the last 8 years, Kathy has worked at Digi Key in the advertising department.

Kathy took her role of Mom seriously. She never missed one of the childrens events and loved to support them in their endeavors. Kathy loved to travel. She and Bob toured many places in Mexico and her favorite trip was to Hawaii. She loved her life changing role and becoming a grandmother. When she was healthy she was often out in her garden. She loved to garden. She also enjoyed fishing and hunting. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Viking.

Kathy is survived by her husband Robert Bob , Viking, MN, 3 children: Chad (Heather), Bemidji, MN, Janette (Mark Esala) Skeim, Thief River Falls, MN, Andrew (Melissa) Bjorgaard, Newfolden, MN, 5 grandchildren: Chelsey, Hunter, Morgan, Brady, Charles, 4 brothers: Jim (Lova) Hodny, Newfolden, MN, Bob (Brenda) Hodny, Grand Forks, ND, Ken (Rita) Hodny, Newfolden, MN, Dan (Randi) Hodny, Thief River Falls, MN, mother in law Elizabeth Bjorgaard, Viking, MN. She is survived by several nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Edward, father in law Arnold Bjorgaard.

Pallbearers: Corey Bjorgaard, Brady Bjorgaard, Larry Lewis, Craig Dunrud, Steve Dunrud, Brock Dunrud, Scott Kelley, Dan Thorson
Honorary Pallbearers: All of Kathy's co workers from Digi Key
Organist: Sheila Nelson
Soloist: Wendy Blazejewski
Selections: Wind Beneath My Wings, Sissys Song
Congregational Hymns: Beautiful Savior, Softly and Tenderly