Kathryn Estee

Kathryn Mary Estee, 63, Fargo, ND passed away peacefully at Sanford Palliative Care on Friday, January 2, 2015 after a two-year fight against brain cancer. 

Kathryn was born October 9, 1951 to William and Lavonne (Zirnhelt) Estee in Aberdeen, SD.  She lived in Hecla, SD until her family moved to Fargo in 1953.  She graduated from South High School in May 1970 where she enjoyed creative writing and journalism and participated on year book and newspaper editorial and writing staffs.  She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Philosophy in May 1974 from Moorhead State University Moorhead (MSUM).  She continued her education by attaining a Master in Science in Education degree from MSUM in May 1978.

Working with disadvantaged, handicapped, minority and academically high-risk students became Kathryn’s career.  She was employed as a Master Tutor/Instructor at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND from 1979-1990.  She began working at MSUM as an Academic Fitness Program Coordinator in 2001 and in 2009 became an Academic Advisor/Learning Specialist, working until February 2013 when her illness forced her unto medical leave.  She also worked as a freelance writer and enjoyed acting as editor and business communications consultant for many students while assisting with published professional works, dissertations, theses and resumes.

Reading, gardening, civic and animal activism, friendship, knitting, crafts, old movies and all God’s creatures with feathers or fur were some of Kathryn’s greatest passions.  She rescued many cats that enjoyed long and grateful lives.  Her current feline companions Amy and Joey supported her throughout her medical treatments and share our loss.

Devoted to her parents and her family, Kathryn spent a decade caring for her mother and father who preceded her in death. She is survived by her siblings David (Eileen), Onalaska, WI; Marcia Estee Strehlow (Craig), Fargo, ND; Jeffrey (Susan), Grand Rapids, MN; and Sara Estee (Gary Erickson), Fargo, ND; aunts, uncles and nieces and nephews. Together we thank her friends from Nativity and MSUM who were so faithful in providing transportation, nurturing and fellowship to Kathryn throughout her illness. 

Memorials are preferred to CATS Cradle Shelter, Inc;  Minn-Kota Paaws; 4 Luv of Dog Rescue, or Adopt-A-Pet of Fargo-Moorhead, all Fargo, ND.