Kathleen "Kathy" J. Thrun

Kathleen “Kathy” Thrun, age 61 of Madison, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Sanford USD Medical Center. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM, Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Ellsworth Funeral Home. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to services on Friday.

Kathleen Jean Thrun “Kathy” was born August 3, 1960, at Flandreau, the 2nd of 3 children born to Freddie and Viola (Woodbury) Thrun. The family lived in Colman, where Kathy graduated from High School in 1979.

Kathy took her role as the middle child seriously and spent much time doting on her little sister Sherrie while often joining in with her big brother Steve on childhood pranks. She loved to tell stories of their time growing up together. 

After high school, Kathy moved to Madison and began her working career. She enjoyed her work at Uncle Ed’s and F&M Cafes where she would interact with customers, remembering their names and greeting them with a smile.  She made many friendships over the years. In addition she worked at Wenks during season, Ravens and later at Dakota State University that gave her another opportunity to interact with students that she thoroughly enjoyed. 

In 1982, Kathy was blessed by the birth of her daughter Tasha. She was a loving mother and Tasha was the joy of her life.

Kathy was blessed again when Jack Barnhart entered her life. They spent 29 years enjoying life together; camping, fishing (Kathy usually caught the fish) and riding on the motorcycle and their scooters. They often would take drives through the state parks with their dog Murphy to say hello to friends camping and to see and enjoy the wildlife.

She was very special to her nieces and nephews and often cared for them while they were growing up. She loved to cook and usually made special treats for them and others. No one could make pistachio salad better than “Aunt Kathy”. Kathy loved her family and get togethers that would usually include a good game of rummy or bingo. She enjoyed a good crossword puzzle, crafting with crocheting, macrame or latch hook.

Kathy will be missed and her memory always cherished by those who loved her, including Jack Barnhart, Madison, daughter Tasha Thrun, Madison, sister Sherrie Johnson, Flandreau, sister in law, Retha Thrun, Madison, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friend Sharon Johnson, and many other friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Steve Thrun in 2013, and nephew Steven Thrun Jr. in 2001.

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