Kathryn M. Shatek, age 78, of Annandale, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Church of St. Luke, Clearwater with Fr. Dennis Backer as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Luke's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at the church with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. Friday, at the church. Memorials are preferred to Holy Spirit Academy in Monticello, MN.

Kathryn Mary Hafen was born October 4, 1947, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to William and Martha (Naef) Hafen. Kate graduated from Brodhead High School in 1965 after which she studied to be an X-ray technician at Mercy Hospital. She enjoyed serving veterans at the VA Medical Center and ended her fulfilling 45-year career in 2009.

On December 27, 1969, Kate and Ron were joined in Holy Matrimony in Lourdes, IA.  Together they built a family as their life journey took them from Minneapolis, to Moorhead, to Pierre, to Lakeville, to Annandale where they built the country home of their dreams.

In the early years, Kate enjoyed her travels with Ron which included camping, fishing in Canada, and a European trip to her parents' homeland. She was very proud of her Swiss heritage.  As Kate's family grew, she continued to seek annual family adventures all over the country.  When faced with declining health, she adapted to a new season of life where her joys were watching birds, sports on TV, solving puzzles and playing games with family.  Her zest for life and joyful spirit will continue to live on through her children and grandchildren.

Her family will remember the grace, dignity, and courage which  she showed while silently suffering from chronic illness.  Her endurance stemmed from her devoted Catholic faith and love for Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Ron of Annandale; children, Teresa (Robert) Donnett of Annandale, Rebecca (Brent) Kabat of Eau Claire, WI, Nick (Liz) Shatek of Cambridge, and Andy (Carrie) Shatek of Inver Grove Heights; 18 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; siblings, Irene Slatter of Janesville, WI, Bob (Sharon) Britt of Madison, WI, Eileen (Jim) Rech of Madison, WI, and Carol (Bill) St. John of Stevens Point, WI; many nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William, Harold, and Robert Hafen; and brother-in-law, John Slatter.

Kate's grandsons will serve as casket bearers and her granddaughters will assist in the church services. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services.

Holy Spirit Academy
1001 7th Street East Suite 1, Monticello MN 55362
Tel: 1-763-220-2402
Email: office@holyspiritacademy.org
Web: https://holyspiritacademy.org/