Kathryn L. “Kay” (Kimlicka) Christiansen, 87, of Austin, Minn. died Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin.

Kay was born March 21, 1924, in Austin to William and Beatrice (Wright) Kimlicka. She grew up and lived her entire life in Austin. Kay served in the U. S. Navy during WWII. That is where she met her husband of 63 years, Niels P. Christiansen, during leave. Together they raised 10 children.

Kay worked in the restaurant business and did many years of volunteer work at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Survivors include her husband, Niels Christiansen; children, Terri Lackey, MarJean Christiansen, Lawrence Christiansen, David Christiansen; wife Linda; Michael Christiansen; Steven Christiansen; Lisa Christiansen; Gina (Beadell) Schneider, husband Al; Kathi Christiansen; Charles Christiansen, wife Susan; 23 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Christiansen, husband Harry; Barbara Thompson, husband Ron; brother, David Kimlicka.

She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Irene Kasak; William Kimlicka; Beatrice Kimlicka.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at St. Edward’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Steffes and Father Donald Zenk officiating. There will be a 6 p.m. wake service on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Saturday. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post No. 91 and VFW Post No. 1216.