Kathryn "Kathi" Haddeland, age 78, of Mahnomen, MN, and Causey, NM, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her loving family while under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Kathryn Amy Hatlen was born as the youngest of four children to proud parents, Arnold and Ethel (Murdoff) Hatlen, on April 24, 1945, in Fargo, ND. Kathi attended school in Hitterdal through the 10th grade, then transferred to Ulen High School, where she graduated as the valedictorian of the class of 1963. She continued her pursuit of knowledge at Moorhead State College, earning a bachelor's degree in education, with a minor in French. Her path then led her to the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where she furthered her education and obtained a certificate in Library Sciences.

On July 2, 1966, Kathi married the love of her life, Kaare Haddeland, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen, MN. They embarked on a journey together, moving to Cambridge, MN then Harmony, MN, where she served as an English teacher.  Continuing her devotion to education, Kathi became the librarian at Aitkin High School, where she dedicated 12 years of her life. The Haddeland family then ventured to Causey, NM, where Kathi contributed her expertise as a librarian, English teacher, and special education teacher at two small schools. In 1989, she began her impactful work in Portales, NM with the Portales Schools, serving the students as the high school librarian until her retirement in the late 2000s. Over the years, she was a member of the Altrusa International Foundation, a non-profit that focuses on literacy and education for all, and the New Mexico State Library Association. After retiring, she cherished moments spent in both Causey, NM and Mahnomen, MN with friends and family and exploring the world with Kaare.

After raising their beloved children Kristin and Jon, Kathi and Kaare became even more avid travelers who created numerous cherished memories on their journeys to Italy, Norway, Mexico, France, and various corners of the United States amongst numerous other destinations. Her most treasured excursion was a birthday trip to Paris, France from Kaare.  Although their travels took them afar, Kathi always loved the moments when she returned back home to her family where she enjoyed cooking and baking for them, along with finding satisfaction in organizing her home. Time was well spent playing numerous card games, visiting with family and friends, and enjoying their precious time with their children. Most of all, Kathi loved doting on her only grandson, John Thor (JT).  From the amazing breakfasts, to lunch and supper, Kathi would insist on being there to see his smiling face while JT devoured her home cooked meals.  While the busy life of education was a cornerstone of Kathi's, she found solace and peace in reading, with a particular fondness for authors like Stephen King and Joyce Carol Oates.  If Kathi was not found in her home library with a book in her hand, you could find her cherishing her time with her multiple close friends that are too numerous to count, and her family.

Kathryn "Kathi" Haddeland's legacy of lifelong learning, dedication to education, and love for her family and community will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in eternal peace, her spirit continuing to inspire a love for knowledge and a zest for life.

Kathi is survived by her husband of 57 years, Kaare; children: Kristin (Matt Gordon) and Jon (Kelsay Shorter); grandson, John Thor Buoncristiani; siblings: Virginia Trom, Peggy Lou Haertling, and Theodore (Ellen) Hatlen; and many nieces and nephews. Kathi was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-laws: Gerold Trom, Donavon Haertling, William Haddeland, Steven Haddeland, and sister-in-law Laila (Haddeland) Trandem.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 21, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., with a visitation starting one hour before, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen, MN.