Catherine "Kate" Irene Bucholz, 87, Mahnomen, MN passed away on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at the Mahnomen Health Center shortly after her family arrived to surround her with love.

Kate, the second child born to John and Christine (Stech) Blattenbauer, was born on September 20, 1934 near Mahnomen. She attended Hart School, a small rural school near the family home. Kate continued her education in Waubun MN, graduating high school in 1952 in addition to being crowned the 1952 Carnival Queen. After graduation, she moved to Detroit Lakes, MN and worked for a local grocery store and later worked at the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen.

One evening, as she was working a late shift, Nalton "Bud" Bucholz arrived at the Red Apple for lunch after a night of dancing. That chance first meeting led to their wedding day, September 20, 1955 in Gary, MN. From that day on, Kate and Bud resided and farmed about seven miles west of Mahnomen. They were blessed with two children. Their first born was a girl they named Kim and Kevin came along four years later.  Kate was a wonderful mother and homemaker who always had a snack ready when Kim and Kevin got off the bus from their school day.  A woman of great and diverse talent, Kate was a wonderful cook and baker. She sewed the majority of both Kim and Kevin's clothes when they were younger, (along with an abundance of outfits for her grandchildren) and created breathtaking quilts that are cherished by numerous family members.

In 1986, Bud and Kate retired from farming and together entered the workforce at EZ One Stop in Waubun. Over the years, Kate worked at the counter and deli where she met countless new friends. The pride she had in her family was truly evident as she often shared stories about Kim, Kevin, and their families while she worked. She was a member of the St. Petri Lutheran Church in Gary. Her desire to serve the congregation was fulfilled through being an officer, Sunday School Teacher, and serving lunches at a variety of church functions. After Bud passed away, Kate moved to Mahnomen in 2005, and continued to share her talents at the First Lutheran Church. Again, her desire to help people was evident. She also worked with the local 4-H Clubs and taught a variety of Community Ed. Classes on quilting and how to make rosettes and krumkaka. Even though these endeavors kept her busy, Kate's grandchildren were her true passion. She loved spending time with them and watching them grow up. Kate attended many sporting events and school programs and maintained that her grandkids would never do anything wrong! In return, she asked nothing of them other than to visit or call her as much as they could – which was hard at times as her phone line tended to be busy for long periods of time!  Kate loved to visit with her beloved family in addition to all her wonderful friends; whom she thought of as her family, too.

The last few months of Kate's life journey were difficult and involved moving from one healthcare facility to another.  Characteristic of her loving and positive attitude, she met many wonderful people who cared for her during those trying weeks. Kate was treated as a family member and many tears were shed when she moved on to the next facility. These caregivers gave Kate's family comfort in their love for her.

Kate is survived by her children, Kim (Chuck) Kochmann, Mahnomen, Kevin (Kari) Bucholz, West Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Mac Kochmann, Hawley, MN, Mitchell (Katie Olson) Kochmann, Grand Forks, ND, Somer Bucholz, West Fargo, ND, and Haley Bucholz, Grand Forks; sisters: Tina Smith, Mahnomen, Betty (Delroy) Wiebolt, Bemidji, MN, Darlene (Butch) Stevens, Waubun, Bernie (Byron) Senne, Lindstrom, MN, and Cindy (Steve) Andring, Mahnomen; brother, Pete (Debbie) Blattenbauer, Fort Collins, CO: and a wonderful extended family of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and their families. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud; her parents; a brother, Ted; sisters: Caroline (Butch), Annella, and Florine (Bonnie); and many wonderful in-laws.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held at St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, and CDC guidelines, social distancing will be practiced. Masks are strongly encouraged.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available.