Kathleen "Kathy" Grinaker

Kathleen “Kathy” Grinaker, 75 of Fargo, North Dakota passed away peacefully Saturday evening, April 13th at Sanford Hospice House – a day short of her 76th birthday. She was surrounded by family in her final days along with the love and comfort of all the well-wishes.

Kathleen Meryl Schoenwald was born April 14th, 1948 in Minot, North Dakota to Wally and Margaret Schoenwald. She was raised in Minot and attended Little Flower Elementary School and Bishop Ryan High School. Kathy attended NDSU, where she graduated with honors with a degree in Music. She had an active collegiate career as a proud member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, serving on the Panhellenic Council, the NDSU Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Edwin Fissinger, Men’s & Women’s Glee Club, Guidon Drill Team, and Mortar Board.

Kathy had a love and talent for music as a music major spending years in Minot teaching piano lessons. She had an extensive banking career, starting at Midwest Federal in Minot followed by years in management at Wells Fargo Bank and US Bank in Fargo. Kathy retired in 2013.

Kathy married Larry Grinaker November 28th, 1970 at Little Flower Church in Minot, ND after which they resided in Devils Lake. Larry’s work later brought them to Dickinson, Denver and Minot, where they lived for 15 years. They moved to Fargo in 1990.

Kathy and Larry were true companions and enjoyed 53 wonderful years of marriage. They celebrated many milestones over the years. Kathy and Larry shared a love for music, piano playing, and singing in Madrigal Choir together during their time in Minot. As proud NDSU Alumni, they enjoyed NDSU Bison Football and attended many home games together.

Kathy found the most joy in spending time with family, especially during holidays and large family gatherings. She cherished her children and her grandchildren, Christopher and Sarah, who were the apple of her eye. Kathy took a great amount of pride in everything she did in life, whether it was her earlier years of making crafts, her work, tending to her garden, the meals she was cooking, or caring for her family. Everything was beyond comparison. She was meticulous. Kathy loved a good conversation, taking care of others, and socializing with both new friends and old. Her smile was contagious, and her engaging, genuine personality shone through even in her final months at Eventide, where she made quite an impact on the staff – bringing joy to both her caretakers and fellow residents.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Larry, her daughters Jackie (Josh) Nichols of Waconia, MN, Peggy (Justin) Kitsch of Washington DC, her son Ryan Grinaker of Fargo, ND; sisters, Sandy (Dale) Henry of Minot, and Mary (Niles) Nearhoof of Andover, MN, Aunt Luella Helle, grandchildren Christopher and Sarah Nichols of Waconia, and nieces and nephew Michelle Kramer, Kristine Fisher, and Jason Henry. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Wally Schoenwald.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to your charity of choice.