Kathleen Agnes Wold Leding, 88, New Brighton, and long time former resident of Cook, MN passed away on Friday December 1, 2017. She was born on December 26, 1928 to Einar and Laura (Johnson) Wold in Great Falls, Montana.

Kathy grew up in Hibbing, MN and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1946. She continued her education at Hibbing Jr. College and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home economics.  While attending the University of MN she belonged to the Sorority Alpha Omicron Pi.

Kathy taught Home Economics in Alborn/Brookston, Cook, and Orr for a total of 32.5 years.  She planned to only teach in Cook for one year to save money to go to Europe, but then met Ken Leding and didn't make it to Europe until many years later. They were united in marriage on April 10, 1954.   As a teacher she was both mentor and confidant and advised National and State FHA officers and arranged Proms (including dates). When she retired, she received an award from Governor Rudy Perpich for all her years of service in educating students.

Kathy had a variety of jobs during her lifetime. During the summers in Hibbing, she held different jobs which included: work at a chocolate factory in Chicago (while staying with an Aunt who lived there); work as a secretary for the Oliver Mining Company in Hibbing while attending Jr. College and at the Hibbing hospital to prepare special diet meals.  After college graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. for one year and worked at the Capital Sewing Machine Co. servicing sewing machines by day and teaching sewing classes by night.  She also worked at Constitution Hall as a coat checker and enjoyed attending free concerts.

Kathy had a variety of hobbies.  Her main love was sewing for herself and family.  Major accomplishments included: sewing a total of 5 wedding dresses; dresses for her granddaughters; and for their American Girl Dolls.  She loved music especially jazz,  musicals, singing and playing the piano.  She also enjoyed painting, and traveling (especially cruising).  She made it to every continent except Antarctica.

Anybody that knew Kathy knew she loved a good joke and she LOVED to laugh!  Her laugh was infectious. If you were lucky, you were able to hear her sing The Persian Kitty!

She wintered in Arizona for 10 years and enjoyed making new friends and learning new skills such as quilting, glass fusion, writing her memoirs and ringing handbells!

Kathy's greatest joy was her family.  She was very proud of her son and daughter and their families.  Susan was her favorite daughter-in-law, and Gary was her favorite son-in-law.  She loved her granddaughters greatly and had a very special relationship with both of them.  She attended many grandparent days, orchestra and band concerts and was always there for Sarah and Haley.  Kathy always talked about the three F's that she lived her life around.  They were Faith, Family and Friends.

Kathy was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Cook, MN; directed the choir for 22 years; was a charter member of Virgie Hegg Hospice; was a member of the Cook Library Board; and Cook Area Health Services board. In addition, she gave wellness workshops on "Laughter is the Best Medicine".  She was also a charter member of P.E.O. Chapter ER, Lake Vermilion; an Elderberry; a long time member of Son's of Norway; and, had fun with the Red Hats group. Kathy was the local leader of the Youth For Understanding program for exchange students in the area.  She and Ken, opened their home to two students: Kathrin Bruggman from Germany and Kristil Blomquist from Norway.  Even after 30+ years, Kathrin and Kristil are still considered family and both were here last year to see her.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband Kenneth Leding; sisters: Margaret Leino (Clarence) and Harriet Wesley; brother-in-laws: John Leding and Lawrence Leding; and sister-in-laws Helen Brink and Beulah (Boots) Cerar.

Kathy is survived by her son David Leding and his wife Susan, of Corvallis, OR; daughter Allison Leding and her husband Gary Muellerleile, of New Brighton, MN; granddaughters Sarah Muellerleile, of Minneapolis, MN, and Haley (Patrick) Marshall, of Grand Rapids, MN; brother-in-law Earl Wesley, and many nieces, nephews, and special friends.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 11, 2017 from 5-7 PM at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, MN, and one hour prior to the service at the church. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com . Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, Cook MN.