Kathryn Mae (Gunderson) Semling

Kathryn Mae (Gunderson) Semling, 90, of Sparta, formerly Winona, died Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Bridgepath-Morrow Home Community, Sparta. She was born on November 24, 1931 to Glen and Rose Gunderson in La Crosse, WI.

She graduated from Fountain City High School and then went on to graduate from Winona Business College.

Kathryn married Alton Semling on February 25, 1952 and moved to Winona, MN. Together, they raised three children and operated Winona Auto Parts Company.

She was an active member of Goodview Trinity Lutheran Church. Her greatest joy was caring for those around her.  Known to many as Mom, Kool Kay, or Grandma Squeaky; she was an amazing cook, housewife, mother, driver, entertainer, and event planner. With warmth and understanding, she was filled with more love than she could give. Being a grandmother and great-grandmother was especially precious to her and she loved attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events.

Kathryn is survived by her children, Mike (Claudia) Semling of Houston, MN, Sue (Bob) Bestul of Coon Rapids, MN, and Julie (Bryan) Jandt of Sparta, WI; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Dani) Semling, Matthew (Tricia) Semling, Michael Jr. (Heather) Semling, Katie (Eric) Lakanen, Amy (Jason) Emiliusen, David (Sarah) Bestul, Jordan (Kaylee) Jandt, and Jade (Kyle Fosshage) Jandt; great grandchildren, Evelyn, Maya, June, Archer, Peyton, Lydia, Gracie, Brody, Sammy, Ruby, Stella, Ada, and Boden; sister, LaVonne (Rich) Mikrut; in-laws, David (Jan) Semling, Ken Semling, Marlene Semling, Wayne Gunderson, and Marlene Mapes; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alton; brother, Vernon Gunderson; infant sister; and many brothers and sisters in law.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, with Reverend Hackbarth officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Winona, at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation.

Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathryn Mae (Gunderson) Semling, please visit our floral store.