Kathy Sue Askelson, 52 of Austin, Minn., passed away at her home on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011.

She was born to Argyl and Marjorie Askelson on March 13, 1959. She graduated from Austin High School and the Rochester Vocational/Technical College with a degree in Culinary Arts. Kathy worked as a chef at the Kahler Hotel, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch and Super Fair Foods. She started her own catering business, Kathy’s Country Catering, and eventually her own restaurant, The Savory Skillet. Most recently she was employed at Trails in Albert Lea.

As a caterer, Kathy helped celebrate many graduations, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, get-togethers and events around the community with her cooking. She enjoyed working with the 4-H food stands at the Freeborn and Mower County Fairs. She traveled when she could, but her always-busy schedule sometimes got in the way. Kathy liked to garden and of course, cook or can anything she grew. She was also an active member of the Oakland Baptist Church. More than anything, she loved to make people happy. Family and friends could not only expect a smile and a hug when seeing her, but also a pan of brownies or anything else she was cooking at the time.

Kathy is survived by her brother, Steven and Mindi Askelson, Austin, Minn.; sister-in-law, Terry and Gordy Briggs, Adams, Minn., 10 nieces and nephews, Heidi and Yurii Skorin, Arlington Heights, Ill., Troy and Terri Askelson, Sioux City, Iowa, Cassie Askelson, Austin, Vincent Askelson, Austin, Tony Briggs, Lawrence, Kan., Alicia and Jeff Dammen, St.Stephen, Minn., Paula Briggs, Mancos, Colo.; great-nieces and nephews, Emily, Grace and Nicholas Skorin, Tucker Askelson, Kylie Smith, Jessie Poss, Isaac and Anna Dammen; great-great-niece, Kaydence Smith; goddaughter: Andrea Stawarski.

She was preceded in death by her father, Argyl Askelson; mother, Marjorie Askelson and brother, Richard Askelson.

Casket bearers will be Vinny Askelson, Tucker Askelson, Steve Wollschlager, Bob Weisert, Scott Bridley, Tony Briggs, Dale Wicks and Aaron Kjome.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, at Grace Baptist Church with Pastor Bernie Boldt of the Oakland Baptist Church officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and at the church on Saturday for one hour before the service.