Kathryn Lindsey, 64, Rochester

Published 10:43 am Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Kathryn Ann (Kay) Lindsey, 64, died peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends, on Jan. 3, 2013, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, from complications of an injury suffered in a fall at home. Kay was the daughter of Earl K. Nelson and Elaine P. Nelson, born in Fairmont on May 6, 1948.

Kathryn Lindsey

She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1966, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in nursing in 1970 from St. Olaf College. She was a nurse at Methodist Hospital (Mayo Clinic) from 1970 until 1975, when she lost her sight to diabetic retinopathy. She and John Lindsey were married on May 31, 1975, at Zumbro Lutheran Church, where they became lifetime members.

Kay was a devoted and loving partner to John, a beloved sister and aunt, godparent (to 11), and a treasured friend to many. Her ready smile and wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor made her the perfect listener and confidant to her family, her godchildren and her many friends. Invariably cheerful and positive in the face of challenging health problems, she encouraged and inspired all who knew her. She loved to meet with her knitting friends (the Knitwits), and was a faithful member of Mary Circle and the Tuesday morning Bible study group.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister Ruth, by her father-in-law, John H. Lindsey and sister-in law, Linda Solem. Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 37 years, John Reid Lindsey of Rochester, her stepmother, Sharon Nelson, of Albert Lea, her brothers Douglas A. (Joyce) Nelson of Rochester and David L. (Brook Soltvedt) Nelson of Madison, Wis., sister-in-law Loretta (Dennis) Winders; and nephews Joe Solem, Dennis, Jason, Brian, and Adam Winders all of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Scott Nelson of Pine Island and Michael Nelson of Shorewood; nieces Deborah (Nelson) Peterson of Plymouth, Sarah K. Nelson of Middleton, Wis., Lisa Turkington and Melisa Bruncheen of Cedar Rapids and mother-in-law, Dorothy Lindsey of Cedar Rapids.

Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. today, at Zumbro Lutheran Church, 624 3rd Ave. SW, Rochester, with visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Rev. Vern Christopherson was officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Zumbro Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.