Kay Burkel, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at Vibra Hospital, Fargo, ND.
A mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, October 26, 2020 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. Burial was held at St. Bernard’s Catholic Cemetery at Thief River Falls.
Kay Lyn Burkel was born on April 2, 1945 in Thief River Falls, daughter of Royal and Mildred (Mercil) Ost. She lived in Thief River Falls and attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School until the age of 9 when the family moved to Detroit Lakes. Kay attended Holy Rosary Catholic School and graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1963. She attended St. Mary’s School and received a degree in X-ray Tech. Kay moved to Cloquet where she worked for a couple years before returning to Detroit Lakes.
On April 29, 1967, Kay was united in marriage to Lowell G. Burkel at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls in 1983 where they raised their family. She attended the AVTI in Thief River Falls and received her degree as a medical transcriptionist. She worked for Northwest Hospital and Dakota Clinic in transcription.
Kay enjoyed reading, adult coloring pages, shopping and buying gifts for family and friends. She also enjoyed going out and socializing, but most of all she loved and cherished the time spent with her grandchildren. Kay was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and active in bible study groups.
Kay is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Lowell of Thief River Falls; children: Robert Gene (Shelly) Burkel of Thief River Falls and Michael David Burkel of Red Lake Falls; grandchildren: Isaiah Medor Burkel, Joseph Walter Burkel and Noah Robert Burkel, all of Thief River Falls; along with several nieces and nephews.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Royal and Mildred Ost; sister, Luone Gunderson.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com