Catherine “Katie” Mae Hays, 91, passed away Sunday, May 12, 2019, at Grand Meadow Senior Living in Grand Meadow, Minnesota.

Catherine was born on April 30, 1928, near Cresco, Iowa, to Emmett and Edna (Doherty) McGee. She graduated from Austin High School in 1946.

Katie was united in marriage with Harold J. Peterson on Aug. 18, 1948. They became parents when they lovingly adopted their children, Randy and Mary. Harold passed away on Feb. 20, 1967. Katie later met Everett E. Hays and the two were wed on Feb. 7, 1969.

Katie was proud of being a teacher’s aid, working with academically challenged children for the Austin Public School District. She was honored that her students respected her and she was delighted when they expressed their appreciation when seeing her years after graduation.

Katie was a fan of any team or sport from Austin or Minnesota, including the Vikings and Twins. She was enthusiastic about bowling, golf and playing cards with family and friends. After retirement, she would play golf many days a week; however, her greatest love was her family.

Katie is survived by her children, Randy (Amy) Peterson of Champlin, Minnesota, and Mary (Paul) Skifton of Stewartville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Nate Peterson, Josh (Shannon) Shatek, Jena (Nick) Feltis, Nikki Skifton and Matthew Skifton; great-grandchildren, Lily Shatek, Wyatt Feltis and Sage Feltis; siblings, Jan (Mike) Seidel, Joe McGee, Nadine Spencer and Pam Donovan; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents, Emmett and Edna McGee; stepmother, Doris McGee; spouses, Harold Peterson and Everett Hays; and siblings, Rita Hummel, Mickey Wilson, Chuck McGee, Jerry McGee, Jackie Granahan and Nancy Theobald.

Katie’s children would like to thank friends and family, Seasons Hospice, and Grand Meadow Senior Living for their love and support.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2019, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father James Steffes officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Interment will be in Calvary cemetery. Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com.