Kathryn Bell

In Loving Memory of Kathryn (Kitty) Bell

Febuary 17, 1952-April 2,2025

Kathryn (Kitty) Bell passed away on April 2nd, 2025, at the age of 73, following complications from heart surgery. She was born on Febuary 17, 1952 and began her life on a farm in Mrytle, MN with her parents Clifford H. and Mildred E. Bell along with her grandmother Alma (Sether) Bakke. At the age of 2, her family moved to Edson, Alberta, Canada where they owned and operated a lumber supply company. Kitty excelled in schoolwork and was moved ahead 2 grade levels. Then in 1962, they moved back to Minnesota to farm near Alden, in Southern Minnesota.

Kitty graduated from Alden High School in 1968 and went on to graduate from St. Olaf in Northfield, MN. She was a proud member of the choir and found great joy in music. She received her BSN from St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, MN.

Professionally, Kitty dedicated her life to nursing. She began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at a Nursing Home in Staples, MN. Later she became a Registered Nurse and began her career at Boynton Health Service at the University of Minnesota. As a Certified Lactation and Women’s Health Consultant, Kitty was a fierce advocate for new mothers’, helping to establish nursing mothers’ rooms across the University of Minnesota campus—creating spaces of care and dignity that continue to benefit families today

Later, in her home in North Minneapolis, she opened her doors to neighborhood children, creating a place of refuge, love and laughter. Teaching Sunday school she shared her deep faith and kindness with young hearts. She built her home in North Branch, enjoyed the nature around her house, and loved to read about and follow the British Royal Family, and her families Norwegian heritage.

She had a great love of cats- especially Penny. Kitty was a beautiful pianist which her family enjoyed immensely. Her nieces enjoyed spending time with her during their growing up years and loved her dearly. Kitty was a devoted caregiver for both of her parents, especially in their later years of life. She had a strong Lutheran faith, and supported the Women’s Environment Institute.

Kitty is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Mildred Bell, her grandmother Alma {Sether) Bakke, her sister Janice, niece Katrina, great-nephew Jacob Sikel and dear cousins- Frank (Butch) Skaff and Henri (Heini) Eisenhauer.

She is survived by her niece Angela Blouin Howe and her children McKayla Sikel, Nash and Aryanna Howe; cousins- Deanna (Skaff) Canavanti, Doreen, Gerald (Jerry) , Dean, Theodore (TJ) Skaff and their children as well as many dear friends.

Services will be held at the Bradshaw Funeral Home located at 3131 Minnehaha Ave. Minneapolis, Minnesota on Friday June 6th with visitation from 1:00pm-3:00pm,and service and Nurse’s Honor Guard at 3pm. Private burial will be held at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Finlayson, MN at a later date.

Kitty will be deeply missed by all who knew her—for her compassion, her music, her wit, and her unwavering care for others’. All who knew Kitty are welcome to attend and share memories and celebrate her life.