Obituary: Charlotte Gifford Kathan

Charlotte Gifford Kathan, age 92, of Prior Lake, Minnesota, formerly of Youngstown, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 6, 2022. 

On Oct. 10, 1929, in Niagara Falls, New York, Charlotte Ann was born the only child to Kenneth Oswald and Dorothy Marie (Taylor) Gifford. After graduating from high school, she furthered her education at Valparaiso University and later at Bryant & Stratton Business School. Charlotte worked various jobs throughout her life, mainly as a bookkeeper, but it was being a wife and mother that was her focus. 

Charlotte reconnected with a gentleman returning from war. His name was Richard “Dick” Webster Kathan. They dated for a few years before exchanging vows on Sept. 15, 1951, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls. From this union, they were blessed with two sons: Richard Jr. and Ken.

Charlotte had a strong faith in God, which followed her throughout life. This foundation was an example set by Charlotte’s parents as a young child. She and her family attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Niagara Falls. Charlotte attended this church until 1954. After marrying, Charlotte was a member of the Dorcas Aid Society at St. John Lutheran Church in Youngstown, where she was a member of the church for 53 years. Charlotte became a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, in Prior Lake, when she moved to Minnesota in 2007. 

This dedication in faith was an illustration of what it is to be a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Charlotte will be forever loved by sons Richard "Rick" W. Jr (Elizabeth) Kathan and Ken P. (Christine) Kathan; grandchildren Richard W. III (Megan) Kathan, Thomas W. (Mariah) Kathan, Mary E. (Eric) Gunderson and Melissa J. Kathan; great-grandchildren Connor R. Kathan and Sawyer R. Gunderson; and other relatives and friends.

Welcoming her home in Heaven is Charlotte’s husband, Dick Kathan, and her parents, Kenneth and Dorothy.

A private family burial will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in Charlotte’s memory. Condolence cards can be mailed to Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 104 West First St., Jordan, Minnesota, 55352, and will be passed on to the family.

Share a message with Charlotte’s family at www.ballardsunderfuneral.com.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation.