Kathryn A. Olson, 73, of Devils Lake, ND, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Fairview Medical Center, University of Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis, MN.
Visitation was held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, March 27, 2026, with a Rosary and Scripture Service. Mass of Christian Burial was on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery. There was a time of fellowship following the burial at the KC Hall.
The funeral Mass will be live streamed at Facebook.com/stjosephdvl.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to St. Joseph School or the Devils Lake Elks Community Band in memory of Kathy.
Kathryn Ann Zimmer, daughter of Theodore and LaVerne (Schmaus) Zimmer was born on Oct. 2, 1952, in Devils Lake ND. She spent her very early years growing up in the Munich area and at age 4 moved with the family to Devils Lake. She attended St. Mary’s Academy, graduating with the class of 1970. She continued her education at Lake Region Junior College.
Kathy married Greg Hoffner and they were the proud parents of Monte and Toby. They lived in various places and Kathy worked part-time but concentrated on raising her family. She and the boys returned to Devils Lake to make their home.
Kathy was united in marriage to Keary Riser on Jan. 20, 1983, in Devils Lake.
They made a life of love, hard work, and devotion to family. They were the owners and operators of Fairview Grocery for 20 plus years and also Bumpy’s (later called Thirsty’s) in downtown Devils Lake. They eventually made their home on a farm, west of Devils Lake. Keary died on Sep. 7, 2003.
Kathy retired in 2004 after selling the store and moved into Devils Lake in 2005.
Kathy felt blessed to find love again and was married to Mark Olson on Jan. 12, 2008. They made their home in Devils Lake where they were able to enjoy retirement. Kathy always had a bountiful garden of vegetables and tended many flower beds. She planted, weeded, harvested and processed the produce, sharing her canned goods with family and friends. If you knew Kathy you knew of her large collection of knick knack pigs. If it had a pig theme Kathy had it in her collection.
Kathy’s children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was their loyal cheerleader, greatest fan at all of their special events and activities. They were her most treasured possession.
In these last months of struggles, Kathy was so thankful for the love and care she received from her devoted husband, her precious children and grandchildren, her dear family and friends.
Kathy’s loving family include her husband, Mark; son Toby Hoffner (Tawny) of Devils Lake; daughter-in-law Crystal (Brad Larson Jr.) Hoffner-Larson; grandsons Steven (Taylor) Hoffner of Devils Lake, Ryan (Madison) Hoffner of Cando and Nathan (fiancé Mykenzie) Larson of Grand Forks, ND; step sons Matt (Sharlene) Olson, Devils Lake and Mitch (Jessie) Olson of Crary, ND; great grandchildren Zane, Jaimisen, and Sylvie Hoffner: Archie and Hallie Hoffner: grandchildren Adley, Lane and Lenora Olson: Lincoln and Waylyn Olson; siblings Tim (Judy) Zimmer, Phoenix AZ, Sat Sangeet Khalsan “Martha”, Santa Cruz NM and Mary Sattler, Fargo ND; good friend Karen Pallansch; several aunts, an uncle, many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
She was reunited with her parents, son Monte, husband Keary, daughter-in-law Deb Hoffner, brother-in-law Rod Sattler and nephew Justin Zimmer.
Casket Bearers will be Tiny Borho, Jeff Dosch, Steve Dosch, Ryan Thompson, Tom Burckhard, Dean Klier, Randy Schemionek, and Merle Langton.
Honorary Bearers will be Richard Redfern, Justin McCarthy, Kevin Nistler, and Shane Diseth.
Reading Scripture will be Taylor Hoffner and Madison Hoffner.
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