Kathleen "Kathy" Mannausau

Kathleen “Kathy” Mannausau, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away on July 12, 2024, at Elim Care Center in Fargo.

Kathy was born September 30, 1942, in International Falls, MN, to John and Kathleen (Beale) Nagle. She grew up in a big family with five sisters and four brothers. Their house was loud and crowded but they always opened it up to anyone who might need a meal, a laugh, or a little kindness. She graduated from Falls High School in International Falls in 1960.

Kathy married Clayton Mannausau on May 20, 1961, and after brief stints in International Falls and Duluth, MN, they settled in Moorhead, MN, where they raised their three children: Steven, Lisa, and Scott. You could often find the family at one hockey event or another. The hockey days and the community of friends were a very special part of her life.

Kathy spent many years as a homemaker when her children were growing up, and later took a job in the kitchen of Thomas Edison Elementary School. Here she forged friendships with teachers, co-workers, and students. The kitchen ladies were a tight knit group of treasured and dear friends.
Kathy’s life grew richer with the births of each of her three beloved grandchildren: Brady, Rylan, and Olivia Drake. She was a biased and proud grandma who believed she had the best grandkids of anyone. She was always eager to babysit whenever needed and as they got older, she attended all of their many varieties of events. Whether it be school functions, music concerts, academic awards, or any sporting event, you could always find her in the crowd cheering on the team.

As time went on, she became their cheerleader for life events such as graduations, college and career selections, and supporting their moves out of state, even though she wanted to keep them close.

As her health began to fail, we had the privilege and honor to help take care of her for once, and we did so proudly and with love. We were supported by the kind and generous staffs of both the Eventide Moorhead Transitional Care team and Elim Nursing Home. We are grateful to each and every person who cared for our wife, mother, and grandmother.

Kathy leaves behind her husband of 63 years, Clayton; children, Steven (Angela) of Plymouth, MN, Lisa of Fargo, ND, and Scott of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Brady of Fargo, Rylan of Madison, WI, and Olivia of Dallas, TX; her brother, Raymond (Jan) Nagle; sister, Patricia Baker; brothers-in-law, Gerald “Buzz” Mannausau and Fred (Roberto) Mannausau; sisters-in-law, Lois Nyrhinen, Darlene Chevalier, and Janice (Russell) Smart; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends, all of whom she loved and adored.

Preceding her in death were her parents, John and Kathleen Nagle; brothers, Freddy, James, and Russell; sisters, Barbie, Rosetta, Virginia, and Elizabeth; as well as her very special niece, Michelle Lavelle, who shared her birthday.