Katherine Gilronan

Katherine (Trink) Gilronan,97, a longtime resident of Alexandria peacefully left this world to live with the Lord on March 8, 2020.

Katherine was born to Jacob and Clara (Nordgren) Floren on February 10, 1923. She was the third of four siblings to be born in the family home at Pennock, MN.

At age 5 she enrolled herself in the 1st grade. Several years later the family moved to Kerkhoven where she continued to be the youngest student in her class. Growing up she was involved in Girl Scouts, 4-H and cheer leading. She was an active member of the Lutheran church where she was confirmed.

After high school she attended St. Cloud State for 1 year then transferred to Winona State Teacher's College where she obtained her teacher's certificate. Her teaching career took her to Murdoch, MN and Carlton, MN.

On June 21, 1949 she married Michael Gilronan. This is when she joined the Catholic church. The couple had 2 children, John and Ann.

After several moves the family settled in Alexandria. She began teaching at St. Mary School in 1961. At this time, she was the only lay teacher. She returned to St. Cloud State to earn her bachelor’s degree.

Her hobbies included sewing, any form of crafting and bowling.  Although she came close several times, she never did bowl the perfect game.

After retirement she had the opportunity to travel, including 2 trips to Europe. She took up quilting, making many beautiful items while she could still see.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Mike, sister and brother-in-law Arda and Marvin Bodum, brother and sister-in-law Curtis and Cora Floren, sisters-in law Elaine Floren and Marianne Floren, brother-in-law and sister-in-law John and Pearl Gilronan, sister-in-law MaryLou Gilronan, sister-in-law and brother-in-law JoAnn and Ward Fennell, son-in-law Eric Loose.

She is survived by son John, daughter Ann Loose, grandson Jeremy Ahlbrecht, brother Calvin and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 10 AM at the Church of St. Mary in Alexandria

A visitation will take place on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 5-7 PM with Parish Prayers beginning at 5 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home and also for one hour prior to the mass at the church on Saturday.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery