Kathryn Severina Grinde, 66, passed away March 21 at home in Polson. Born November 12, 1951, in New York City, she was the first child of J.R. "Bob" and Marge Grinde. The family moved to Glendive before settling in Polson in 1954. As a child Kathy loved roaming the neighborhood, where ladies would welcome her into their homes and offer cookies and other treats. She learned how to sew, and made clothes and blankets for dolls, cats, and dogs, for her sisters and the neighbor girls. As time went on she made many of her own clothes. Her most memorable Christmas gifts to others consisted of a cut of fabric along with a pattern; the finished product would arrive a few months later and would be a long-time favorite.

Kathy attended Polson schools and was involved in Cheerleading, Twirlers, Student Body Government, 4H, Luther League, and the Honor Society, among other activities. Swimming in Flathead Lake, even on New Year’s Day, was a favorite pastime. She was Valedictorian of her 1970 class of Polson High School. She worked summers and after school at the Security State Bank in Polson, and attended Stanford University and the University of Montana. Beginning her career in the communications industry, she worked in Alaska and the Seattle area. She later graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree from Western Washington University and worked for Boeing as an electrical engineer until her retirement. She returned to live in the Polson area in 2016, and most recently lived on Finley Point. She loved being back in her hometown, renewing old friendships and making new ones.

Kathy enjoyed reading and learning. The volume of books of all types she read, and her ability to explain what each author said, while imparting her analysis, was incredible. She enjoyed cheering on the Seahawks and Mariners. An avid bicyclist and runner for a number of years, she completed the Lilac Bloomsday run with her mom, and the Seattle to Portland bicycle ride a number of times. For family gatherings at the family home on Grinde Bay, she loved to treat the family to fresh seafood from the Seattle area, as well as boxes & boxes of Cinnabons.

Kathy will be remembered fondly and missed by many. She was predeceased by her parents, and is survived by her five siblings, 12 nieces/nephews, and five grand- nieces/nephews. Siblings are Paul (Barbara) of Polson; Janet of Helena; Pete (Cynthia) of New Meadows, Idaho; Anne Love of Milwaukie, Oregon; and Roger (Michelle) of Stratham, New Hampshire.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. A luncheon will follow at the church.

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