Kathleen Joy Owens passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the Goldton senior living center in Starkville, Mississippi at the age of 82. She was born to Morris and Joyselle Voelker on July 27, 1942, in Baldwin, Wisconsin and grew up in nearby Ellsworth. After graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1960, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and began an 11-year career working for Prudential Insurance Company. In 1961, she wed Frank “Skip” Owens, to whom she was married for over 50 years until his death. After the birth of her only child Frank “Chip” Owens, she became a full-time mother and homemaker and lived in suburban St. Paul, Minnesota. In later years, she and Skip lived in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin until his death in 2014.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband Skip, her brother Bruce Voelker, and both parents.

She is survived by her son Chip and his wife Adriana, her two granddaughters Grace and Aika Owens, and four siblings.

Kathleen lived an active life. A lifelong Lutheran, she was heavily involved in church-related activities including volunteering as a teacher’s aide, scouting leader and ESL teacher. She loved sewing, crafting and reading. In her later years, she took the most pleasure in spending time with her granddaughters.

Kathleen’s family has opted for a private virtual funeral service, which will be officiated by Rev. Ben Kratz of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

Last Update: Jul 28, 2025 7:11 am CDT