Kathleen A. Yliniemi (Mrs. Arthur)

KATHLEEN ANN YLINIEMI OCTOBER 26, 1948 - MAY 18, 2015 Kathleen "Kathy" Ann Yliniemi, age 66 years old, took Jesus' hand and went home to Heaven on Monday May 18, 2015 at CHSI St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids, MN after a valiant, yet short battle with cancer. Kathy was born on October 26, 1948 in St. Cloud, MN to Raymond and Elizabeth "Betty" Brix. Known for her ease and frequent conversations with even total strangers it is to no ones surprise. Kathy enjoyed serving coffee at her parents' place of business, "Wimpy's Café". Even as a young girl, Kathy possessed a contagious smile and entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and service to others will never be forgotten. After graduating from Park Rapids High School in 1967, she attended Fergus Falls Community College and later finished her early childhood education degree at Bemidji State University. During the summer of 1968, Kathy met her sweetheart on the dance floor of South Shores on Toad Lake. The couple was married the following year on September 13, 1969 at Saint Peter's Catholic Church in Park Rapids, MN. Married for 45 years, Kathy and Arthur raised their dear daughter Debra Ann over the years in Fargo, Moorhead, and Little Falls. Possessing a true servants' heart, Kathy cared for her family and friends through delicious cooking, baking, crafting, and throwing garden parties. She was beloved by her many students and families while spending many years in the early childhood education classrooms in Little Falls, Park Rapids, and Osage areas. Kathy always had candy for her little children at the church and loved it when they sat on her lap. Kathy enjoyed being outdoors, working in the yard tending to her many flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. Over the years, Kathy organized and managed more events and fundraisers than will fit on this page. She took great pride in being part of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Osage Lions, Bethany Lutheran Church council member and Sunday school teacher. A woman of great faith and a heart for Jesus, Kathy shaped her spirituality through bible study, prayer groups, Tai Chi with the ladies and many conversations over coffee or a good glass of wine. After her husbands retirement from the military in 1995 they moved to Osage-near family and later many close friends. With a real zest for life, Kathy loved to dance, cook, host parties, read, play games, and cards - especially with her grandkids Emma Ray, Bethy, and John Arthur. She loved antiques, a Saturday afternoon auction, garage sales, her young living oils and Thursday evening dinners with the Osage gang. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Arthur D. Yliniemi of Osage; Daughter, Debra Ann Ray Yliniemi-Ahlin, Son-in-law Craig; her three precious grandchildren: Emma, Elizabeth, and John all of Little Falls, MN. Her brother, Reynold (Karen) Brix of Park Rapids, MN; her sister, Jane (Bill) Dreyer of Greenwood, SC; as well as her brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Kathy is preceded in death by her parents Ray and Betty and infant daughter Deeann Jenny. Kathy lived by the golden rule; treat others the way you would like to be treated. So please do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say "I love you" to your friend in her memory. Funeral will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, May 22, 2015 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Officiating will be Reverend Steve Bruer and Reverend Jim Hallaway. Organist will be Sarah Kaufenburg and a solo will be performed by Kristine Spadgenske. Visitation will be held 5 PM - 7 PM on Thursday May 21, 2015 at Bethany Lutheran Church, near Wolf Lake, as well as one hour prior to the service at St. John's on Friday. The active urn bearers are grandchildren: Emma Ray Ahlin, Elizabeth Carol Ahlin, and John Arthur Ahlin. Honorary urn bearers: Osage Lions Club and Osage Wednesday Morning Women's Bible Study Group. Interment will take place at a later date at the State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Bethany Lutheran Church Missions Fund. To view the video tribute or to leave online condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com.