Connie Kathman

Connie Kathman, 75, of Yakima, WA, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN, peacefully left to be with her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, April 11, 2026 in Multicare Memorial Hospital in Yakima, after a lifetime of medical issues.

 Connie Mae Kathman was born on June 10, 1950, in Warren, MN, the daughter to William “Bill” and Velma (Riel) Kathman. Raised in Stephen, MN, on a nearby farm, she had open heart surgery at the age of 10; the doctors said she'd be lucky to see 45 (and did she prove them wrong!). Connie graduated from Stephen High School and moved to Grand Forks, ND and would marry Gilford Davidson. They would have two children, Nile and Holly. Connie did home childcare for a number of years, then went to work as a waitress. After a divorce in 1982, she continued to waitress but in Thief River Falls, where she moved to be close to her parents. She liked the area so much she stayed for the next 43 years. Though apart, she always remained in touch with her friends, Pam and Lillian, from Grand Forks and enjoyed regular phone calls with her sister, Shirley.

Her greatest comforts were her children, her grandchildren (Jory, Keely, Matea, & Sirena), her cats (the most recent was “Patches”), and going out for a good meal. No matter her pain or discomfort, she enjoyed a good laugh- and maybe a trip to the thrift store to look for a new and interestingly-shaped vase to add to her growing collection. Common things made her happy: drives in the country, coffee with her friends, watching TV and YouTube (her favorite Elvis impersonator or silly animal videos), or relaxing at home.

In February of 2025, Connie received a letter from Ken Gorsuch, a young man she dated before the Vietnam War, a time that would separate them to different paths in life. After a few phone calls and a visit from Ken, Connie moved out to Washington so they could live together. They got engaged and enjoyed eleven happy months together.

In addition to Ken, Connie is survived by her children, Nile (Tami) Davidson of Grand Forks, ND, and Holly (Howard) Stowe of Thief River Falls, MN; four grandchildren, Jory and Keely Davidson, and Matea and Sirena Stowe; her sister, Shirley (Curt) Owens; nieces and nephews, Darlene Ignaszewski, Brenda Schulz, Leanne Kathman, Kenny Ignaszewski, Jason Ignaszewski, Brian Kathman and all of their families; a great-grandson, Jason; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Velma Kathman; brothers, Gary (Katy) and Dale Kathman; sister, Karen (Norbert) Ignaszewski and nephew David Kathman.

Until we meet again... Love you, Mom.
 

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:30 AM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church of Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: one hour prior to Mass.
INTERMENT: Stephen City Cemetery, Stephen, MN.