Obituary for Kathryn Jane Bratly (Iverson)
Bratly, Kathryn J. (Iverson)
Age 75 of Edina, Kathy died peacefully on January 9, 2021 at Mount Olivet Careview in Minneapolis. Born on July 28, 1945 in Minot, ND. Preceded in death by parents, Rev. Maynard and Cecilia Iverson, brother Roger and step-mother Eline Iverson. Survived by husband of 53 years, James; daughter Kristin (Robert) Hodgman; grandsons Konrad and Zachary Hodgman; brother Brad (Sally) Iverson; nieces Bree (Adam) Jorgenson and Caitlin (Tomas) Roa and their families; and many other relatives and friends.
Kathy’s family moved to Minneapolis when her father accepted a pastoral call to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She graduated from Washburn High School in 1963 and St. Olaf College’s nursing program in 1967. During her senior year she met her future husband on a blind date. After their marriage in 1967, she worked for a year in the Pediatrics Department at Fairview Southdale Hospital.
Kathy had a smile that lit up a room, and she cared deeply for others. Kathy’s faith, family and church family were so very important to her. She had a beautiful singing voice and for many years sang in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church choir, as well as being soloist for many weddings, funerals and other church services. She was also a long-time member of the women’s Ruth Circle at church. She formed many special and enduring friendships while being part of these groups. She also loved to use her soothing voice to read to her grandsons when they were young. Kathy volunteered at Fairview Southdale Hospital for many years, and was a member of the Fairview Hospital Auxiliary. Kathy loved to travel with her family, especially trips to Duluth, MN and Sun City, AZ. After her daughter was grown, she and her husband enjoyed several trips to Europe and going on cruises. Kathy’s bond with daughter Kristy went beyond “mom,” and also included “friend.” Kathy never got her driver’s license, but that did not stop the two of them from wonderful bus excursions downtown for lunch and other activities.
Two organizations Kathy felt strongly about were global education help for young people in need (www.lutheranpartners.org), and an excellent music series (www.bethlehemmusicseries.org). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to one of these organizations, or the donor’s choice. Because of Covid19 restrictions, there will be a private funeral service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Monday, January 25th, at 3:00 p.m., but the service will also be livestreamed at that time on www.blctcmn.co/stream.
Gill Brothers 612-861-6088
www.gillbrothers.com
Age 75 of Edina, Kathy died peacefully on January 9, 2021 at Mount Olivet Careview in Minneapolis. Born on July 28, 1945 in Minot, ND. Preceded in death by parents, Rev. Maynard and Cecilia Iverson, brother Roger and step-mother Eline Iverson. Survived by husband of 53 years, James; daughter Kristin (Robert) Hodgman; grandsons Konrad and Zachary Hodgman; brother Brad (Sally) Iverson; nieces Bree (Adam) Jorgenson and Caitlin (Tomas) Roa and their families; and many other relatives and friends.
Kathy’s family moved to Minneapolis when her father accepted a pastoral call to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She graduated from Washburn High School in 1963 and St. Olaf College’s nursing program in 1967. During her senior year she met her future husband on a blind date. After their marriage in 1967, she worked for a year in the Pediatrics Department at Fairview Southdale Hospital.
Kathy had a smile that lit up a room, and she cared deeply for others. Kathy’s faith, family and church family were so very important to her. She had a beautiful singing voice and for many years sang in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church choir, as well as being soloist for many weddings, funerals and other church services. She was also a long-time member of the women’s Ruth Circle at church. She formed many special and enduring friendships while being part of these groups. She also loved to use her soothing voice to read to her grandsons when they were young. Kathy volunteered at Fairview Southdale Hospital for many years, and was a member of the Fairview Hospital Auxiliary. Kathy loved to travel with her family, especially trips to Duluth, MN and Sun City, AZ. After her daughter was grown, she and her husband enjoyed several trips to Europe and going on cruises. Kathy’s bond with daughter Kristy went beyond “mom,” and also included “friend.” Kathy never got her driver’s license, but that did not stop the two of them from wonderful bus excursions downtown for lunch and other activities.
Two organizations Kathy felt strongly about were global education help for young people in need (www.lutheranpartners.org), and an excellent music series (www.bethlehemmusicseries.org). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to one of these organizations, or the donor’s choice. Because of Covid19 restrictions, there will be a private funeral service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Monday, January 25th, at 3:00 p.m., but the service will also be livestreamed at that time on www.blctcmn.co/stream.
Gill Brothers 612-861-6088
www.gillbrothers.com