Katherine Kensinger

Katherine Marie "Kathy" Kensinger, of Underwood, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Kathy was born on October 16, 1955 in Dayton, Ohio, the eldest child and only daughter of Robert and Margaret (Ryan) Kensinger. Four younger brothers followed, and Kathy quickly established herself as their ringleader. Bright, spirited and independent, she spent her childhood leading the pack.

Kathy raised four children in Randolph, Minnesota, with her first husband Larry Wachendorf. While raising her family, she worked as the Community Education Director and as a reporter for the Cannon Falls Beacon. She earned a BA in Communication from St. Catherine University in 1991 and later an MA with a specialty in youth development from Concordia University, St. Paul, in 2008.

In 2006, Kathy married Norman Kolstad and moved to his family farm in Underwood. She became Community Education Director for Battle Lake Public Schools, where she worked until her retirement in 2020. Kathy believed deeply in young people and in giving them opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. That philosophy was most visible during her years as Battle Lake's speech coach. She helped students find their voices, build confidence, and discover what they were capable of, leaving an impression that lasted long after the competitions were over.

In Battle Lake, Kathy became the kind of person nearly everyone knew, and so many have a story about a time she helped them. Her care for students and families extended far beyond her job description. She had a gift for recognizing what would actually help, whether it was a meal, clothing and school necessities, a connection to a grant program, or a waived college application fee. If Kathy saw a need, she would find a way to solve it. She had a remarkable ability to be present for anyone who needed someone in their corner.

That same spirit carried throughout the community. Kathy supported the Battle Lake Food Shelf, briefly served on the board of the Battle Lake Area Community Fund, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and became involved with the community garden in Fergus Falls. In 2021, she became a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener. She used those skills to give even more to the community she loved.

But even this impact paled in comparison to her love for her grandchildren. Kathy painted rocks and created fairy houses, hosted tea parties in the yard, hid gnomes in secret gardens, and eagerly participated in countless imaginary adventures and wonderlands. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life.

Kathy also loved to travel, especially when the journey connected her to people she loved. Her travels took her to Korea to visit Todd and Jessica; Costa Rica, Morocco, France, and Spain with Bryan and Rachel; Scotland for Ross and Jessi's wedding; Norway with Norm; and Ireland with her beloved mother, Margaret.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Norman, his children Matthew (Deb) Kolstad, Nate (Kristen) Kolman and grandchildren; her children, Todd (Jessica Dickau) Wachendorf, Ross (Jessica) Wachendorf, Bryan (Rachel) Wachendorf, and Elyse Wachendorf; her grandchildren, Zoey, Wyatt, Myra, Mackenzie, Atara, and Wylder; her brothers, Lee (Ellen), Robert (Joanne), Thomas, and Mark (Kathryn) Kensinger; and countless other family, friends, and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Kensinger.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held at Glendalough State Park on the afternoon of Saturday, October 10, 2026, and the community is welcome to join for snacks and stories starting at 1:00pm.

Kathy's impact lives in the family she loved, the gardens she grew, the students and families she helped, and the countless people who knew what it was like to have her support. She noticed when someone needed help. She celebrated when someone had reason to celebrate. And again and again, she showed up. If it mattered to you, it mattered to Kathy.

She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Blessed be the memory of Katherine Marie Kensinger. The family requests that any memories, photos, or videos of Kathy please be shared using the link https://kudoboard.com/boards/8bOZ7iWw.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com