Kathryn "Katie" Leigh Kalenze

Kathryn "Katie" Leigh Kalenze

Kathryn "Katie" Leigh Kalenze, 22, of Grand Forks, ND entered into eternal life on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, surrounded by her loving family.

Katie was born on February 27, 1990, to Greg and Mary Beth (Bushaw) Kalenze in Grand Forks, ND. She was loved and adored as the youngest of four children. Katie attended St. Michael's Grade School, Valley Junior High School and graduated from Central High School in 2008. She attended Northland Technical College pursuing a career in Radiologic Technology.

In February, 2012, Katie was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer. She fought courageously and with a special grace throughout the past eight months. Katie cherished all aspects of life, from her family and friendships to music, dancing, reading, cooking and scrap booking. She was beautiful both inside and out. We will remember Katie for her strong, generous and true spirit. She was a wonderful Mother who proudly put her son Jude above all else. We love you Katie and will miss you always.

Katie is survived by her son, Jude Kalenze; parents, Greg Kalenze and Mary Beth Kalenze; brother, Michael Kalenze; sister, Kari (Randall) Herbst; brother, Kevin (Rosemary) Kalenze; nieces and nephews, Dylan, Abigail, Oliver, Liza, Kass and Emmett; grandmother, Mary Ann Bushaw; aunts and uncles, Mark Kalenze, Les (Ruth) Kalenze, Joe (Gail) Kalenze, Jerry (Paula) Kalenze, Steve (Wendy) Kalenze, Heidi Sundell; Sr. Frieda Kalenze, Kathy Johnson, Mary Robinson, Tim Bushaw, Cathy (Tim) Bergstrom, Tom (JoAnn) Bushaw, Jim (Lori) Bushaw; along with many loving cousins. You are loved by so many.

Katie was preceded in death by grandparents, LeRoy and Amity Kalenze; Michael Bushaw; uncles, LeRoy Jr., Linus, and Kevin Kalenze.

Special thanks to the Mayo Clinic, Altru Cancer Center and Hospice of Grand Forks.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hope Lodge in Rochester, MN, funded by the American Cancer Society.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 15, 2012 in St. Michael's Catholic Church, Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday with a 7:00 p.m. vigil service in the Gregory J. Norman Funeral Chapel. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the liturgy in the church on Monday.

Burial: Calvary Cemetery North, Grand Forks, ND.

The online memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com

(Gregory J. Norman-Norman Funeral Home, So. Washington St.)

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