Kathy Kier, age 59, of Naytahwaush, Minnesota, died Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

Kathy was born July 30, 1949 in St. Paul, MN, the oldest daughter of Glenn and Phyllis (Ojibway) Bunker. As a young child, she moved with her family to the Naytahwaush area where she grew up and attended school. Following her schooling, Kathy moved to St. Louis, MO, where she enlisted with the Job Corp for a few years. She later spent her time traveling and lived in California briefly before settling in the Minneapolis area for several years. In 1996, Kathy moved back to Naytahwaush, where she has since made her home. Over the years, she has held several different community service jobs and was also employed by the Shooting Star Casino. However, failing health required Kathy to take an early retirement.

Although retired, Kathy kept busy with rummage sales, going to 2nd Hand Stores and playing Bingo. When she was able, she enjoyed long walks in the great outdoors. Kathy had a great sense of humor and was an excellent cook, especially her fry bread. She will also be remembered for her kindness, care and compassion and her nurturing personality. Her door was always open, her willingness to help anyone who needed it, often putting their needs before her own. Family was extremely important to Kathy and she worked hard to take care of her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, but her heart was aching and she longed to be with her two boys, Richard and Wade.

Kathy leaves behind her other children: Kevin Kier, Maria Brown, and Gloria Hanks, all of Naytahwaush, Minnesota; three brothers: Dick (Carol) Bunker, Kelly (Millie) Bunker and Mark Bunker, all of Naytahwaush; four sisters: Theresa (Jim) Loud, Molly (Casimer), Bunker, both of Mahnomen, Minnesota, Rose Alvarado and Marcie (LeRoy) Fairbanks, both of Naytahwaush; two grandchildren, Alayna and Adrian Stevens; her mother, Phyllis Bunker, of Naytahwaush; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father; grandparents; two sons, Richard Bunker and Wade Kier; and a nephew, Daniel Bunker.

Blessed be the memory of Kathy Kier.


Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex in Naytahwaush. Visitation will be at the Sports Complex beginning at 5:00 pm on Sunday, February 15th, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm, and continue until the services on Monday.