Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Reverend Eric Gradberg will o$ ciate, with a luncheon to follow.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the graveside service at St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek.

Ste en Mortuary in Battle Creek is in charge of arrangements.

Kathy entered her heavenly home on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

A funeral service will also be held at 10:30 a.m. October 3, 2026, at St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Visitation in Minnesota will be one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will be held immediately after at the parish center.

Kathryn “Kathy” Kay Smith was born on March 22, 1956, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Danny “Pete” and Donna (Preusker) Smith. She attended grade school at St. John and graduated from Battle Creek High School.

Kathy started her collegiate education at Wayne State College in 1974. Upon graduation she attended Penn State University and received her M.A. She then attended the University of Minnesota furthering her education in pursuit of her PhD.

Prior to completing her PhD, Kathy had a change of heart. She attended Mitchell Hamline School of Law and in 1995 received her law degree. She practiced law in the Twin City area for 27½ years.

Most recently, Kathy served as an Unemployment Law Judge for the State of Minnesota for the past three years. She made her home in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Kathy was actively involved in her church, St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church.

She was passionate about helping others and this was apparent by her dedicated and faithful involvement. She served on the Vestry and as both Junior and Senior Warden. She served on the Finance Committee, the Property Committee, and the Personnel Committee. She did the inglorious work of writing and rewriting the Bylaws for the parish. Kathy was instrumental in recruiting sta and lay leaders and served as a Bible Study leader for years. In 2024 Kathy was presented with the Outstanding Service Award for her involvement with the church, recognizing her many years of service and faithfulness.

She is survived by her father, Danny “Pete” Smith of Battle Creek, Nebraska; sister, Karla (Pat) French of Battle Creek, and family, Jolene (Mitchell) Miller and Eston of Omaha, Nebraska, Daniel (Angela) French and Cynthia of Albion, Nebraska, and Jena French of Battle Creek; brother, Kent (Linda) Smith and family, Kristin (Nick) Walters, Parker and Emilia, Allison (Brennan) Brockhaus, Barrett, Weston and Boden all of Columbus, Nebraska, and Hunter (Mariah) Smith of Kearney, Nebraska.

Kathy adored her time with her family, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and of course with her beloved companion, Tulah Jane. Kathy cherished her Nebraska roots and wore Nebraska Red with pride, even in Gopher country! She also served as a ‘free’ tour guide for the many trips made by Pete and Donna over the years to visit her Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Smith; and brother, Kirk Smith.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to St. John in the Wilderness Church (2175 1st St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110).