Cathy Marie Kosen

Cathy Kosen, age 69, of Marshall and formerly of Cottonwood, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis. Funeral Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2017, at Living Word Lutheran Church in Marshall. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. Then a reception for attendees will be in the church basement. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2017, at Living Word Lutheran Church. A prayer service is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue, one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. on Monday, again at the Church.

Cathy Marie (Gullickson) Kosen, surrounded by those who loved her most and wrapped in the arms of Jesus, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2017 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis. Cathy was born on August 25, 1947 in Oak Park, Illinois to Sanferd and Hazel (Nelson) Gullickson. She was baptized at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Chicago on September 28, 1947. Three years later, Cathy and her family moved to Cottonwood, Minnesota. Cathy was blessed to call Cottonwood home for the next 65 years.

Cathy was confirmed on June 10, 1962 at Christ Lutheran Church. She graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1965 and attended South Dakota State University that fall. Cathy’s gift for decorating, her nurturing spirit, and love of service made an education degree in home economics an obvious calling. Cathy & Bruce Kosen were united in marriage at Christ Lutheran Church on June 29, 1968. Completing her degree in 1969, Cathy returned to Cottonwood and worked at the school in various roles for 26 years. She was an active member at Christ Lutheran Church and served in various leadership roles.

Cathy served as the Home Economics teacher until she chose to stay home and raise her three daughters. 12 years later, she returned to the classroom as a Title 1 teacher and worked as the Early Childhood/ECFE Coordinator, Community Ed. Director, Prom Coordinator and Cheerleading Advisor at different times throughout her career.
Cathy’s belief in Jesus Christ was unshakeable. She supported many different ministries and enjoyed leading and participating in Bible studies. Her legacy of discipleship, service, and mentorship is worthy of our admiration and has inspired many.

Cathy invested in others through caring, loving, serving, and giving to her family and friends. In her free time, Cathy enjoyed sewing, crocheting, shopping, decorating, and socializing with friends. Most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and traveling with her family. While battling cancer 39 years ago, she was led to Psalm 128:6, which reads “May you live to see your children’s children.” She held that promise close and God delivered.

Cathy is survived by her husband, Bruce Kosen of Marshall; daughters Krista (Allan) Swenson of Cottage Grove, MN, Robin (Jim) Knudson of Marshall, MN, and Gina (Jordan) Schumacher of Fargo, ND. She also leaves behind a brother Don (Marilyn) Gullickson and grandchildren Chase, Abbie, Simon, Seaver (Swenson); Keziah, Eden, Jude (Knudson); and Spencer, Teagan (Schumacher).

Cathy is preceded in death by her mother Hazel (Nelson) Gullickson, father Sanferd Gullickson and grandson Elijah Knudson.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials for Southwest MN FCA or Living Word Youth Group.