Kathlyn Joan Mohagen

Kathlyn Joan Mohagen, 89, of Alexandria, MN passed away peacefully Friday, February 17, 2023 at Grand Arbor in Alexandria.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Brandon, MN on Saturday, February 25, at 11:00 am.  Visitation will be held Friday, February 24 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Anderson Funeral Home, Alexandria, with prayer service at 5:45pm, and one hour prior to service at Grace Lutheran Church.

Kathlyn Joan (Bergh) Mohagen was born July 25, 1933 in Brandon, MN, the daughter of Henry and Elvira (Olson) Bergh. She was baptized at Grace Lutheran Church in Brandon, MN and confirmed at Grace Evangelical Church in Naperville, IL. Growing up, Kathlyn lived in Brandon, St. Cloud, Rochester, Naperville, IL and Minneapolis, MN.  She graduated from Washburn High School in 1951.

Kathlyn was united in marriage to Richard L. Mohagen, November 1, 1953 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.  She lived with her parents while Richard was in the Korean War and later moved to Montevideo, MN where they resided for the next 40 years. While in Montevideo, Kathlyn raised her four children and was very active in her church and community. She served many church meals while wearing her red hat and delivered Meals on Wheels.  She and Dick were involved with Fiesta Days of Montevideo for many years. Kathlyn was the queen of hospitality.  Whether it was serving coffee/tea to a few friends in her home, hosting the immediate/extended family, hosting large family reunions she was the most gracious hostess. She could roll the perfect lefse, thinnest flat bread and serve the family favorite, ham souffle, to a multitude of people.

She was and avid knitter and bridge player.  At one time she belonged to 4 bridge clubs, most notably at age 70, she indicated she was one of the younger members with a few of the ladies in their 90’s. In Montevideo, she had a group of ladies that called themselves the “Knitwits.” She knitted coats for herself and her mother and Christmas stockings for all the family. 

Kathlyn was an avid sports fan, whether watching the Twins, Vikings, Lynx, Gophers and most importantly, being the “fan in the stands” at her grandchildren’s activities.  It came naturally as she enjoyed playing golf, tennis, ping pong, bowling and racquetball.

In 1995, Dick and Kathlyn moved to Big Chippewa Lake in Brandon, MN.  Grace Lutheran Church became her church family in her later years.  She was active in circle, quilting, fall bazaar, serving and making many meals.  She transported her elderly friends to numerous appointments and even stayed with them, if it was an overnight.

Kathlyn was fortunate to travel extensively with her husband (company trips), friends and family members.  Some of her most memorable trips were to Monte Carlo and the European Countries, New Zealand and Australia, France and Normandy and numerous trips to Norway.

Kathlyn was a loving, compassionate and classy wife, mother, grandmother, GiGi, sister and friend.  She was happiest when surrounded by her family. She was robbed of her speech the last few years but her beautiful smile and infectious laugh continued.

She is survived by her husband, Dick of 69 years, Children: Richard, Jr. of Ottertail, MN, Vicki (Paul) Peterson of Brandon, Martin(Sue) of Ottertail, MN and James(Karla) of St. Cloud, MN; 10 cherished grandchildren: Richard III (Heather), Ryan, Peter(Kaci), Brady(Kelley), Johanna, Joshua(Kristin), Daniel(Olivia), Katelyn(Tyler), Matthew and Julianna; 12 treasured great grandchildren; a brother Charles Bergh and sisters Helen Palmer and Marie(Hans) Sandbo: and many numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, a daughter-in-law Karen Mohagen, brother-in-law Stanley Palmer and sister-in-law Janet Bergh.

Memorials are preferred to Grace Lutheran Church, Knute Nelson Hospice Care or a Charity of your choice in Kathlyn’s name.