Katherine “Kathy” Hannestad

Published November 11, 2020 at 11:14 PM

Katherine Myra “Kathy” (Johnson) Hannestad, born in Cooperstown, ND to Paul and S. Martha Johnson on September 24, 1934, died in Fargo at Bethany Retirement Living on 42nd on November 11, 2020 under the care of Hospice and the Bethany caring staff. Growing up in Cooperstown was ideal – Kathy enjoyed the one room schoolhouse, skiing, horseback riding, outdoor farm activities, Cooperstown Bible Camp and being involved in Saron Evangelical Free Church – a country church on the prairie which family still enjoys visiting. Kathy loved and enjoyed her older siblings Mark, Pauline and Lois.

Kathy met husband Jim Hannestad at Oak Grove High School in Fargo, ND where she graduated in 1952, a year after Jim, and they married in 1956 after Jim served in the US Army. Numerous teachers and administration from Oak Grove were long supporters of these two and became lifelong friends.

Kathy and Jim raised 5 children, choosing to provide a family life full of simple pleasures of being involved in kid’s activities and church events. Kathy stayed at home until the kids were older – providing a welcoming environment for all to come home to – including the kids’ friends.

Kathy was a prayer warrior for many – children, grandkids – newest great grandchild Lochlan – but also for nieces, nephews and friends. Until the end she continued to pray – grateful for the simple joy of simple things – and was so grateful to God for many answered prayers. On the night Jim died, after almost everyone had left the house, Mom was found with the Bible open, weeping quietly and praying words of thanksgiving for the life He had given them and for Jim’s life – what an example set to bring everything to Jesus.

In the workforce, Kathy worked for Hektner, Lybeck Erickson Insurance, Al Hektner Insurance and First Insurance before retiring. She met lifelong friends in this industry including the Hektner & Lybeck families.

Church family was as important as immediate family and Kathy would encourage you to connect with a church so they become your family too, where you can enjoy positive, encouraging fellowship. Kathy and Jim had wonderful memories with the “Grey Geese” Bible Study group from Salem Evangelical Free Church – the first couple to now have passed – what a wonderfully supportive group for so many years.

Kathy accepted Christ as her Savior and because of this relationship is now rejoicing with her Heavenly Father. Kathy is preceded in death by Husband Jim in 2003; Parents Paul and Martha Johnson, Brother Mark Johnson, Sister Lois Ueland, Sister Pauline and Brother-In-Law Gene Troseth, Sister-in-Law and Brother-in-law Jean and Ed Emerson and Brother-In-Laws Jerry Hannestad, Sherman Hannestad and Richard Hannestad and his wife Noni.

Enjoying her memories for years to come:

Daughter: Judy Hannestad, Fargo, ND; Son: Bob (Deb) Hannestad, Fargo, ND; Son: Greg (Tami) Hannestad, Sioux Falls, SD (Katie Hannestad, Carly Hannestad, Shawn & Rachel MacDonald, Ian MacDonald); Daughter: Peg (Michael) Knudson, Fargo, ND & Walker, MN (Dillan & Jessica Knudson) ; Son: Kent (Kari) Hannestad, Fargo, ND (Duncan & Naomi Hannestad (Lochlan), Megan & Quincey Circo, Carson Hannestad); Sister-In-Law and Brother-In-Law: Kermit & Mary Lou Ueland, Valley City, ND; Sister-In-Law Carol (LeRoy) Smith, West Fargo, ND; Sister-In-Law Sandi Hannestad, West Fargo, ND and Sister-In-Law Carol Hencz, Fountain Hills, AZ.

Funeral Service: 10:00am, Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Salem Evangelical Free Church, Moorhead, MN.

Visitation: 5-7pm, Friday, November 20 at the church followed by a prayer service at 7pm.

Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.

In accordance with COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required for the services and social distancing is encouraged. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home’s website and the church’s website.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.hansonrunsvold.com. Arrangements by Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND.