Kathleen Ann Steinbach-Thometz (Borgert), Sartell, 81

October 22, 1932 - August 1, 2014

Kathy completed her journey on earth after a long fought illness and went to heaven on Friday, August 1, 2014.

A Mass and Christian Burial celebrating the life of Kathleen A. Steinbach-Thometz, age 81, of Sartell, who passed away on Friday, August 1, 2014 at Country Manor Assisted Living Apartments, will be held at Country Manor Chapel in Sartell at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Fr. Tom Knoblach will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2014 at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids. Private burial will take place in the Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery in Sauk Rapids.

Kathy was born October 22, 1932 in St. Cloud, Minnesota to Lawrence and Louise (Battis) Borgert. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1950. After high school she went to the St. Cloud Beauty College and later owned and operated her own beauty shop, The Glass Block, above Kresge’s in downtown St. Cloud.

She was united in marriage to William J. Steinbach on October 6, 1956 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. Bill’s career with the Minnesota State Patrol took them to Virginia and later to Little Falls. They had six wonderful children together. Bill passed away unexpectedly on March 28, 1967. After Bill’s death, Kathy and her children moved back to St. Cloud.

Kathy was involved with many organizations over the years, including Parents Without Partners, where she served as the first charter president. She also served on the board for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of St. Cloud. She was also a school chairperson for the March of Dimes.

Kathy worked at many jobs around St. Cloud, and in 1986 she went back to school at Anoka AVTI, completing the Human Services Technician program. Later, she worked at WACOSA, where she met her second husband, Richard B. Thometz. He passed away on February 3, 2011.

Kathy had a generous heart and loved talking with people. She greatly enjoyed her job as a Wal-Mart greeter in St. Cloud for over five years. In her leisure time, she sang with the St. Cloud Area Fun Singers, took occasional trips to the casino, played bingo, loved to bake and try new recipes, yelled at the TV while watching high school basketball tournaments and cheered for the Minnesota Twins. While her children were growing up, she was always their “biggest fan”. She also tried to beat the contestants on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Kathy’s greatest joy of all was spending time with her children, who she cared for and raised as a single parent. Her pride was her family, and she especially enjoyed talking about her grandchildren with any interested person. She was very proud of them and they will deeply miss her.

Left to cherish her memory are; her children, John (Kate Laughlin) Steinbach of New London, Mark (Donna) Steinbach of Sauk Rapids, Patti (Ron) Shoutz of St. Cloud, Mary (Tim) Knellwolf of Sartell, Karen Herman of Sartell, Bill (Kate) Steinbach of St. Cloud; sister Renee Stang of Sartell and brothers Gene Borgert of Sartell and Loren Borgert of St. Cloud; 14 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Waiting at the gates of heaven are her parents; husbands, Bill and Richard; sisters Donna Raab and Mary Salandi and brothers, Kenneth and Richard Borgert.

A special “Thank You” to the staff of Country Manor in Sartell, especially; Marcia, Linda and Monica for the exceptional love and care provided to our mom during her stay. Also, “Thank You” St. Cloud Hospice, especially Tami U. and to family and friends that made phone calls and numerous visits during her illness, she was truly blessed with an abundance of love and compassion.