Kathleen Ann Tholkes

Kathleen Ann Tholkes, lovingly known as Kathy, age 80, passed away on September 15, 2026.

Kathy was born February 2, 1946, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Anthony and Isabelle Ferraro. She grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and graduated from Edison High School. She later made Columbia Heights her home for more than 50 years. During those decades, Kathy formed lasting connections with the people around her. She enjoyed knowing her neighbors and their families, and some of those relationships grew into deep friendships that lasted for decades. In 2023, Kathy moved to Oak Crest Senior Living in Spring Lake Park, where she carried that same neighborly spirit into a new chapter of life, participating in activities and forming meaningful friendships with residents and staff who came to know and care deeply for her.

Kathy worked at a bank early in her career and later worked as a cashier for many years before beginning a career as a receptionist at a law firm, where she worked with its attorneys and changing partnerships for more than 30 years. She was hardworking and detail-oriented, careful with what she had, yet generous in ways that mattered. Throughout her life, she opened her home to family and others who needed a place to land. She treasured long-standing relationships with cousins and extended family and deeply valued the friendships she formed throughout the many seasons of her life.

Kathy had a special place in her heart for children and loved spending time and playing with little ones, even serving for a time as a nanny for her niece's family.

Kathy could be a complicated woman, as we all can be, but those who knew her also knew her strength, resilience, humor and caring heart. She was deeply grateful for the people who walked alongside her throughout the many seasons of her life. Some were there for decades and others for only a season; some offered friendship, shared a meal, provided a ride, helped with an everyday need, or quietly prayed for her without her ever knowing. Each became part of her story.

Kathy was first diagnosed with breast cancer in late 2017 and faced the difficult treatment that followed with remarkable strength, courage and perseverance. In the summer of 2026, she learned that cancer had returned aggressively. Her final illness progressed quickly, and she passed away less than two months later, cared for and loved by family, friends and those who served her during her final weeks.

Kathy is survived by her daughters, Dawn (Mark) Rogers and Debbie Danielson; grandchildren, Alex (Whitney), Rick (Grace), Rebecca, Nicole, Austin, Brooke (Mason), and Lexi (Andy); great-granddaughters, Violet and Navy; siblings, Michael (Tammy) Ferraro, Karen (Harry) Brown, and Tommy Ferraro; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Isabelle Ferraro; brothers Jimmy Ferraro, Tony Ferraro Jr., and Ricky Ferraro; sister Kim Aker; and beloved granddaughter Olivia.

Visitation will begin at 10am followed by service 11am on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Redeemer Church, 61 Mississippi St NE, Fridley, MN. Burial at Sunset Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.