Katherine "Kathy" R. Shuster, age 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at her son's residence in Blackberry.

Kathy was born to Richard "Mac" and Betty McDonald in 1951, in Sacramento, California. The daughter of a military family, they moved a lot in her younger years. A few of her favorite places was Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Japan.

The family settled down in Wawina, Minnesota when her dad was stationed in Duluth.  Kathy graduated in 1969 from Grand Rapids High School. Shortly after graduation, she herself enlisted into the Army where she served two years and was a Vietnam veteran. Upon Kathy's discharge she found herself living in Southern Ohio. Where she raised her three children. In 1996 she returned to Grand Rapids where she has remained.

Kathy worked several jobs, but her one desire was to become a nurse, and after many struggles and trials and plain old determination, she graduated from Bemidji State University in 2011 with her BSN in nursing. She worked as an RN in several different facilities, but she was most proud of her 10.5 years with Essentia Hospice, where she gave with all her heart.

Kathy was a lady that was always concerned with everyone else and never considered worrying about her. Her world was her children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. When you talked to her, she was always telling people about them. She was a stubborn and determined lady, but yet the most caring person. Her children will tell you she was the greatest mom ever.

In her spare time, she enjoyed watching horror movies, quilting, or more accurate the collecting of fabric, reading, helping out around the farm, girls' night out with her girlfriends, and spending time with her family. Kathy will be missed for her wit, sarcasm, and her determination.

She is preceded in death by her parents. Kathy is survived by her children; Shelly Shuster, Denver (Michelle) Shuster, Jason (Juleen) Shuster; brothers, Richard "Rusty" (Diane) McDonald, Patrick (Rose) McDonald; 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, with another on the way; numerous nieces and nephews, her girls' night out gang: Pam, Peg, Sue, and Tracey; many friends, and her cherished feline; George.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, beginning at 12 Noon at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN with a memorial service to follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Lay Pastor Mary Shideler will officiate. Full military honors will be accorded at the funeral home at the conclusion of the memorial service.

Kathy's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Essentia Hospice for the excellent care they gave her. She will be greatly missed.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.