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In Memoriam ~ Mary Katherine “Kay” Fandel ’79

 

Mary Katherine Fandel ’79

Mary Katherine Fandel ’79
Viroqua, WI — St. Cloud
06/30/1961 – 08/28/2017

Mary Katherine “Kay” Fandel passed away on August 28, 2017 in Viroqua, WI.

Kay was born to John D. ’47 and Marion E. Fandel on June 30, 1961, in St. Cloud, MN. She is survived by 3 children, (Sylvie, Eva and Freya), husband (Joe Rising), Mother, her 3 sisters, 4 brothers, 12 nieces & nephews, and 6 great nieces & nephews and Joe’s sister Amy.

Kay spent her formative years growing up in Sartell, MN with summers spent swimming in the waters of Grand Lake, MN where her family had a cabin. After graduating from St. John’s Prep School, Kay continued her education, attaining a B.S. in Nutrition. She spent time as a Counselor at Trail Blazers Camp in Montague, NJ and traveling throughout the US and Europe. These activities shaped the course of her life. After becoming a certified nutritionist, Kay attended graduate school where she obtained a Masters’ degree in Wildlife Biology and went on to pursue a career in that field.

It was after this that Kay met her life partner, Joe. They spent 25 loving years together and raised three beautiful daughters. They enjoyed living in many wonderful places including Grand Marais and Shanti Camp, finally settling in Viroqua, where they immersed themselves in the community. During their time in Viroqua, Kay worked at Organic Valley, in many positions that allowed her to use her knowledge to support efforts that were important to her.

Kay was a truly genuine spirit, representing honesty, love for life, people and nature, to the fullest extent.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Ark Center for the Arts— 401 E Jefferson Street, Viroqua September 30th beginning at 3:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kay’s name to these organizations she held near to her heart: Pleasant Ridge Waldorf School, Youth Initiative High School and The Prairie Enthusiasts