Kathy Ann Koep

Kathryn A. “Kathy” Koep, age 68, of Clitherall, died after a hard-fought battle with cancer at her home on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Mass of Christian Burial is at 11 a.m., on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank with Fr. Jeremy Theis, Fr. Jeff Ethen, & Deacon Craig Stich presiding. Music will be provided by the Stich Sisters & Zoe Koep. Interment will take place at the church cemetery. The service will be live—streamed and can be viewed by clicking HERE or by scrolling to the bottom of Kathy’s tribute page.

Visitation will begin with a 4 p.m. prayer and rosary service and conclude at 7 p.m., on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at the church. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service.

Kathy was born June 4, 1955, in St. Paul to Erwin and Florence Fruth. In her early teen years, Kathy babysat for friends and neighbors, and later worked at Kolby Bakery in St. Paul for a few years.  Her senior year she aspired to be a flight attendant; an employee from the airport came out to visit with Kathy and her parents – Kathy changed her mind because she was afraid to fly.  She graduated high school from St. Agnes Catholic School in 1973.

A year after graduation she met the love of her life, Phillip, in Urbank.  Phillip and Kathy were united in marriage on August 28, 1976, at Sacred Heart Church in Urbank. In 1977, Phillip and Kathy purchased Urbank Bait with Phillip’s brothers and ran the business until 2021, where Kathy was a secretary throughout the years.  She was a part of the Urbank Christian Mothers and was always willing to help anyone in need. She enjoyed supporting her five kids in whatever activities they were involved in; she rarely missed an event.  Her passion the last several years was spending as much time with her grandkids as possible; playing cards, spoiling them with candy and sending them back to their parents with a sugar high.

In loving memory of our dearest Kathy, a remarkable woman whose genuine and sweet nature touched the lives of everyone who knew her.  Her kind-hearted and caring nature defined her essence, as she consistently put the needs of others before her own. Her selflessness was unmatched, and she went out of her way to ensure everyone felt warmly welcomed and cherished. Beyond her nurturing spirit, she had a delightful sense of humor and wit that could light up any room, paired with a heart that knew no bounds. Kathy leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and laughter that will continue to resonate in the lives of those she touched. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering compassion and generosity.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Erwin and Florence Fruth.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years Phillip; children, Holly Koep (Ryan) of White Bear Lake; Paul Koep (Rachel) of Coon Rapids and their daughters Zoe and Roxie; Marshall Koep (Amy) of Urbank and their children Brooks, Sloan, and Malone; Eric Koep of Clitherall and his boys Beckam and Calahan: Kelsey Koep (Jake) of Fargo; brothers, Pat Fruth of Urbank and Gary Fruth (Ann) of Urbank; sisters, Connie Baehr (Mike) of Andover, Sandy Schmit (Roger) of Woodbury and Julie Heintz (John) of Lake Elmo; along with many nieces, nephews and relatives.

Pallbearers are Calahan Koep, Beckam Koep, Jack Heintz, Jimmy Baehr, Michael Lorine, Steven Koep, Troy Fruth, and Mark Fruth.