Kathryn Ann Karlberg, 66

Kathryn Ann Karlberg, 66, of Missoula, died on Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, at St. Patrick Hospital of complications related to her recent diagnosis of acute leukemia.

She was born in Missoula on Aug. 3, 1950 and was blessed to be adopted by Karl and Carmen Karlberg in the first days of her life. Kay grew up enjoying the Farviews neighborhood where her father and grandfather built the family home. A highlight of summer during those years was attending Camp Watanopa, the Camp Fire Girls Camp on Seeley Lake. She worked through the ranks to become a counselor. A natural born athlete, Kay enjoyed all sports excelling in skiing. During her high school years she skied with the local ski team.

After graduating from Sentinel High School in 1969, Kay studied health and physical education at the University of Montana. Her years at UM were highlighted by her involvement in the Alpha Phi Sorority. Many lifelong friendships were made in the A Phi house.

Following her 1973 graduation from UM, Kay worked in sales at HO Bell Ford in Missoula, taught and coached girls basketball at Loyola Sacred Heart High School and volunteered as a Pink Lady in the ICU at St. Pat’s.

Kay exuded a joyful, loving presence to all she knew. Her sense of humor and ability to put others at ease endeared her to her many friends and family members. Her generous heart spilled over to the animals she loved. From childhood on dogs, exotic birds and even saltwater fish tanks were a constant in her life. Kay became a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan and was thrilled to travel to some of their games. She liked nothing better than sharing a cold beer with a friend and spending summers at their treasured place on Flathead Lake.

Her passing leaves a huge hole in the lives of those who survive her: her brother, Chris and wife Debbie of Kalispell and their family, her devoted friend Teresa Donahue of Missoula, the clan of Kreidel cousins and their families, her friends and her pets.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Kay by donating to the Humane Society of Western Montana, 5930 Highway 93 S., Missoula, MT 59804; or the Karl R. Karlberg Memorial Scholarship Fund at the UM Foundation. Donations may be mailed to UM Foundation, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, MT 59807-7159. Please write Karl R. Karlberg on the memo line.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, at the Doubletree Hotel, 100 Madison, Missoula.

Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.