Kathy Ann Borchardt Dyess, age 64, of Shakopee, Minn., passed away on June 17, 2014, after a courageous two and a half year battle against ovarian cancer. Kathy was born in New Prague, Minn., on Jan. 14, 1950, and grew up in Shakopee, where she was valedictorian of the Shakopee High School class of 1968. She went on to study biology at St. Olaf College, and received a bachelor’s degree in 1972. After college, she spent 12 years as an educator, while living in Stillwater, Minn.; Huron, S.D.; and El Paso, Texas. While in Texas, she also worked for five years in medical research for the Health & Sciences Department at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Kathy moved back to Minnesota, where she worked as an adjunct faculty member and lab supervisor at St. Catherine’s University for a semester, followed by serving as an Environmentalist for both Scott County for five years and Carver County for 16 years. Kathy’s hobbies included reading, music, photography, gardening, singing, and traveling. She was a loving and compassionate mother to Emily. She will be remembered also for her genuine warmth and engaging personality.

Kathy is survived by daughter, Emily; brother, Bradley Borchardt and wife Judy; nephew, Ben Borchardt and wife Crystal Churchill; and a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by parents, Ruth and Roland Borchardt.