Kathryn "Kathy" M. Young

Kathryn “Kathy” M. Young, age of 71 of Ottertail, MN died Saturday, July 15, 2023 in her home under the care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Kathy was born September 18, 1951 in Bertha, MN to Martin and Verna (Raatikka) Dorenbush. They grew up on a dairy farm near Hewitt, MN with her siblings Bonnie and Roger. Kathy started playing the piano at a young age. Her lifelong career of playing the piano and organ at church started at Trinity Lutheran Church at 14 years of age. She graduated from Bertha Hewitt High School in 1969 and after high school, she attended Bemidji State University where she obtained her Associates of Arts degree. On November 14, 1969 she met her future husband Kenneth Young. They were married on August 7, 1971 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena, MN.

After their wedding Kathy and Ken lived in McIntosh and Jordan, MN before moving to the Iron Range. It was in Nashwauk, MN where they started their family. They have three children, Kyle, Kevin, and Kelly. Kathy made a career not only playing the piano at church but also at many weddings and funerals. She also had an in-home day care. With her lifetime love of music, she taught piano lessons both in her home and at Assumption Catholic School in Hibbing. Her students remained in her life, and she often played for their weddings. After retiring, Ken and Kathy moved back to their home area and bought her parents’ house on Rush Lake. Kathy then continued to play piano at St. Lawrence Church near Perham, MN.

Kathy’s biggest joy in life was children; they brought so much joy into her life. She loved spending time with her four granddaughters. They spent great times at her house on Rush Lake, and enjoyed the Perham turtle races every summer. She would attend activities and cheer them all on. 

Kathy’s hobbies include gardening, taking care of the yard and lakefront, camping, hiking, and quilting. With the help of granddaughters Mila and Lila, they built a beautiful fairy garden that grew over time. She loved living the lake life and was surrounded by amazing neighbors. They loved having fires, playing cards, and going on pontoon rides together. Kathy and Kelly went on many amazing hikes together. The memories are countless, and she was an amazing friend to all.

She was preceded in death by her parents Verna and Martin Dorenbush and baby Mark Young. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 52 years Ken Young; children Kyle (April) Young, Kevin (Angela) Young, and Kelly Young; grandchildren Katie and Quinn Young and Mila and Lila Young; and her siblings Bonnie Fields (Jim), Roger (Gretchen) Dorenbush.

In lieu of flowers, a portion of the memorials received will be given to team St. Lawrence Saints of Relay for Life, Perham Chapter.

Visitation will be 5:00-8:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 7:30 on Thursday, July 20 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service. Visitation will resume from 12:00-1:00 p.m. followed by the Funeral Mass at 1:00 on Friday, July 21 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church near Perham. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com