Kathleen Marie Halverson

Kathleen Marie (Kaufer) Halverson, 74, was born January 1, 1952, in Mankato, Minnesota, to Jean and Bud Kaufer. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on November 6, 2026.

Kathy was a devoted wife and mother whose family meant the world to her. She met the love of her life, Bruce, in the fall of 1981, and they were married in May 1983. Their marriage began with an adventure when they embarked on a seven-week honeymoon to Alaska to visit Kathy’s brother, Mark, a journey that surely tested her strength and patience! Together, Kathy and Bruce shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and raised their two children, Adrienne and Beau. Above all else, Kathy treasured her family, and the love she had for them was at the heart of everything she did.

Kathy graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1970. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1974, and later a master’s degree in education from the College of St. Scholastica in 1993.

Teaching was Kathy’s calling. It was far more than a career to her; it was a true passion. She shared that gift with children in Duluth, first as a preschool and elementary teacher at St. Michael’s School and later as an elementary teacher at Holy Rosary School. Her warmth and natural ability with children left a lasting mark on countless students.

Her Catholic faith was an important part of her life. Kathy was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Duluth as well as St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gnesen. At St. Joseph’s, she generously shared her time and talents as a Sunday School teacher and lector. Her faith and involvement in her church communities reflected who she was.

Few places meant more to Kathy than the family cabin on Swan Lake, a gathering place passed down through generations. It was her happy place, where she made countless memories with family and friends. She was never happier than when she was at the lake.

Kathy was a social person who loved being around people. She was blessed with many wonderful friends, including some she had known since early childhood and high school, and she valued those lifelong friendships deeply. Kathy had a way of making people feel cared for, and she was a mother figure to many beyond her own children.

Throughout her illness, Kathy faced each day with strength, grace, and quiet determination. She never complained and continued to draw strength from her deep faith, which remained a source of comfort even during difficult times. Her courage and unwavering spirit were a reflection of the woman she was and the values she carried throughout her life. Her brother’s mantra, “Attitude, gratitude & smile,” helped her through it all.

Kathy will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her years as a teacher, her faith, her strength, and the many lasting friendships she treasured. She will also be remembered for her impeccable style and great sense of fashion. She leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce; her daughter, Adrienne (Brandon) Radovich; her son, Beau Halverson; her adored dog, Sprout, of Duluth; and her brother, Mark(Kay) Kaufer of Ketchikan, Alaska. She is also survived by her niece, Alex (Chris) Sanford, and Alex’s children, Carter, Axel, and Declan, of Texas; and her cousin, Colette (Anthony) Pellegrino of Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Karen Cassidy.

Bruce loved and supported Kathy in every way. His devotion shone through in everything he did for her, especially when she needed him most. The family is also deeply grateful to Essentia Health Hospice and the care team at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for their compassion and support.

She will be forever missed, loved and remembered.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:30 p.m., at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805. Visitation will continue Friday, November 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 4901 East Superior Street, Duluth, MN 55804, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Duluth. A celebration of life will follow the Mass at Gnesen Community Center, 6356 Howard Gnesen Road, Duluth, MN 55803.