Katherine "Katie" Aune, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 7, 2025, at Carefree Living in Cook.

Katie was born on October 7, 1931, to Steve and Pearl Picek. She grew up in Field Township and graduated from Cook High School in 1949. She was united in marriage to Earl Aune on February 17, 1951, in Cook, Minnesota, where they shared a beautiful life together.

A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, Katie's faith was a cornerstone of her life.  Her dedication extended to her work at Cook School, where she served as Head Cook for over 25 years. A hardworking and devoted school employee, Katie formed many lifelong friendships with her colleagues.

Katie was a caretaker in every sense of the word. Those close to her knew her as a loving and giving soul who always went above and beyond for her family and friends. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where visitors were met with open arms, heartfelt conversations, and an abundance of delicious food. No one ever left Katie's home hungry as she made it her mission to ensure everyone was well-fed and cared for, her generous hospitality will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Katie's family cherishes memories of her quick wit, lively card games at the Blackduck cabin, and her unparalleled lefse-making skills. When word got out that she was making lefse, friends and family would gather for a taste and some friendly banter, creating fond memories.

Her legacy lives on through the love and laughter she shared with others. Kaite will be deeply missed, and her family will forever remember her unwavering love and dedication to them.

Katie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Earl; brothers: John, William, Peter, Harry, Steve, and Mike Picek; sisters: Mary Rudduck, Ann Picek, Julia Lind, and Helen Arola; and son-in-law Ed Vaughn.

Katie is survived by her children: Judy Vaughn, Steven Aune, Donald (Cynthia) Aune, Roger (Sheryl) Aune; grandchildren: Crystal (Jesse) Scofield, Jennifer (Garrett) Corrow, Carrie (Rod) Wilson, Kyle Aune, Tara (Todd) Dietman, Trisha Aune, Tawnya Aune, Chuck (Stephanie) Tomlin, Bill (Ashley) Aune, Eric (Rachelle) Aune, Jake (Rachel) Aune; great-grandchildren: Blake, Karah, Emilee, Owen, Kaius, Joby, Tessa, Jaxin, Bryce, Nathan, Cole, Brendin, Gage, Austin, Maverick, Ashton, Bayleigh, Jared; sisters-in-law: Margaret Picek, Donna Picek, Carol McCue; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Carefree Assisted Living and Essentia Hospice for their compassionate love and care of our mother and grandmother.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 12:00pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.