Katherine Ann (Hanson) Widness, 90, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2026, at Dow Rummel Village with family by her side.

Katherine Ann Widness, daughter of Harold & Ruth (Peterson) Hanson, was born October 19, 1935, in Chicago, IL. Kathie grew up in St. Paul, MN, and graduated from the University of Minnesota's University High School. While attending the University of Minnesota, where she obtained a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Physical Education, she worked as a camp counselor and a YMCA swim instructor in the Twin Cities.

Kathie was united in marriage with Marvin J. Widness, Jr. on July 20th, 1957 in St. Paul, MN.

Kathie was very involved with music in her youth and throughout her adult life. She was an avid piano player and singer, participating in choirs at the U of M, their church in Aberdeen, SD, and later at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, SD, where she also worked as the Secretary of Music for 20 years.

Kathie also enjoyed opera, reading, and traveling with family. Marv and she spent their retirement years hiking and camping along the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.

Grateful for having shared her life are her late husband of 59 years, Marv (2016), their children, Bradley Widness of North Mankato, David (Karla) Widness of Sioux Falls, and Kristine (Scott) Woelber of Minneapolis, MN; four grandchildren: Jonas, Eddan, Bjorn, and Johanna; and brother, Norm (Jane) Hanson, and their sons, Peter and Eric.

Kathie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Marv, and her daughter-in-law, Ann (Kronlokken) Widness.

A special thanks to the caring staff at Dow Rummel Village for the excellent care Kathie received over the past several years, giving family peace of mind.

A private family service will be held to honor and celebrate her life. Memorials can be directed to the Vermont Center for Eco Studies (vtecostudies.org) in honor of Kathie and Marv's love of nature and loons, or the charity of the donor's choice.