Kathleen Mary (Keenan) Halverson

Published 12:04 pm Friday, June 13, 2025

Kathleen Mary (Keenan) Halverson

Kathleen Mary (Keenan) Halverson died on June 12, 2025 at home, surrounded by her family.

Kathleen “Kay” was born in Austin, MN on December 12, 1939 to William and Loretta Keenan. She and her siblings would regularly entertain the younger generation with stories of riding reckless horses, driving fast cars, and raising both crops and treasured pets on Austin Acres. Kathleen was a proud participant in 4H and Glee Club. She loved music, from Patsy Cline to Joan Baez to Johnny Cash, but she most embraced the rebellious sound of Janis Joplin. Interesting choice, for the future Hennepin County probation officer. As part of that job, which lasted for over 35 years, she had to write reports about her probationers for the judges to read. It was not unusual for a judge to comment that her writing was remarkable and had helped to humanize the person who was standing in front of them. This advocacy, paired with her determination, proved most important when the family was navigating the proper care of their brother Billy, who was born with Down Syndrome and medical complexities. Kathleen’s intellect and persistence was matched only by her desire to make her home warm and cozy. Everything was homemade; bread, pizza, peach and French silk pies, even spaghetti sauce. She spared no detail when entertaining and people felt both welcome and honored to share space and conversation with her.

Kathleen fell in love with Eugene in first grade, but waited until she was 26 to get married to him. Early on in their marriage, they found a shared love of camping. Often strapping an aluminum canoe to the top of their 1958 Thunderbird. They shared their greatest strengths and their (minor) flaws with each other throughout a 59 years long adventure that included many visits to the North Shore, canoe trips in the BWCA, and evening walks to Cedar Lake. Kathleen was not known for her athleticism, which makes her one-time bowling score of over 200 particularly impressive.  But, perhaps their love was most apparent in the daily rituals that they observed; delicious food, constant companionship, and shared delight in the endeavors of their six grandchildren. She never missed a game, race, competition, concert or any event that celebrated the talents of their grandkids.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Loretta Keenan; her brother, Billy Keenan; sister-in-law, Diane Keenan; brothers-in-law, Robert Halverson and Duane Coffman.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Eugene Halverson; her two daughters, Kate (Matt) O’Connell, and Molly Christensen; her adored grandchildren, William, Daniel, Norah, Stella, Rose, and Luke; her siblings, Darlene Coffman, Jack Keenan, and Jerry (Mary) Keenan; and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Andrew Beerman officiating.  Visitation will be one hour before the mass at the church on Wednesday.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary