Kathleen Gigstead

Kathleen “Kathy” Sharon Gigstead, age 66, of rural Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away unexpectedly from complications during surgery at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND on Monday, August 14, 2017.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2017, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with a prayer service to take place at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Furey Funeral Home is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Kathleen was born January 23, 1951, to Edwin and Elsie Rudebeck. She grew up in the Corliss attending school in Perham, graduating with the class of 1969. Following her schooling, Kathleen attended Wadena Vo-Tech where she earned her Cosmetology Degree.
Kathleen and Gill met accidentally on a gravel road. The couple married at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Corliss on May 12, 1973. Kathleen and Gill made their home on the family ranch in rural Detroit Lakes where Kathleen established her hairdressing business. She loved the community camaraderie that she established having her business at home. She also dedicated time to hairdressing at the Ecumen-Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes for more than 45 years.

Kathleen and Gill enjoyed spending time together and were avid hunters and fishers. Kathleen tended flower gardens and loved to watch the many hummingbirds that visited her flowers and feeders. She also raised finches and canaries. She dabbled in floral design and arranged wedding flowers for family members and friends for more than 35 years. She was a talented piano player. Kathleen loved to cook and was well known for her lefse and homemade buns. Kathleen and Gill attended every family function and loved the time spent with family and friends. Kathleen was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee.

Kathleen is survived by her husband of 44 years, Gill Gigstead; 2 sons: Darren (Michelle) of Detroit Lakes, Joel of Detroit Lakes; 2 step sons: Shane (Lisa) of Detroit Lakes, and Dane (Diane) of Ponsford, MN; grandchildren: Emily, Cole, Tyler,
Sarah, Heather, Tyler, Daniel, Brittany, Madison, Jenna, Dustin, Desiree, Andrew, Nicole and Jessica; 17 great grandchildren plus 2 on the way; brother, Roger (Jeanette) Rudebeck of Perham; sister, Lucille Birkland of Frazee; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Kathleen in death were her parents; and her father-in-law, Gil Sr. and mother-in-law, Lorraine Gigstead.