Cathleen “Cathy” Marie (Dunnigan) Shaner of Stewartville, MN, passed away quietly on her own terms to match her strongwilled nature on July 27 after a brief illness. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and sibling whose steady and loving presence will be forever missed.

Cathy was born in Toledo OH to Ralph and Clara Dunnigan on March 31, 1949. She had the lucky distinction of being the oldest of 13 children. She moved to Temperance MI while in elementary school and spent much of her childhood as a second mom to many of her younger siblings. She remained in Temperance until she met the love of her life, Charles “Charlie” Shaner. What started out as a bet between friends to ask Cathy to dance, turned into over 54 years of a shared life together. Charlie and Cathy were married on December 1, 1972 and started their adventure.

Charlie entered the Air Force and they had the opportunity to live in a variety of fun places. In 1976, they welcomed their son, “little” Charlie while stationed in Mississippi and then in 1977 welcomed their daughter, Christy while stationed in Virginia. This allowed Cathy to begin her favorite job, raising her children. After Charlie discharged from the Air Force, he joined IBM and they continued to move around the midwest. While Cathy didn’t enjoy moving, she made sure to make every house they lived in a home and that her family was happy.

Cathy most enjoyed being with her family, including her large extended family. Some of her most cherished times were spent camping with her family and traveling around the country in the trusty red van. These trips provided countless stories, including shark infested waters, tornados, tipped canoes and Ocean Annie’s bar. She was always up for a card or board game and had an extremely competitive spirit. She enjoyed many hours fishing with both Charlie’s and her grandsons. Later in life, Charlie bought a motorcycle and Cathy loved being a passenger enjoying the scenery of the midwest countryside. One of her favorite trips was traveling around the Great Lakes and visiting lighthouses.

Cathy was the biggest supporter of her children and grandchildren. No matter what type of event they were involved in, dart tournaments, sporting events, concerts, art shows or half marathons, if spectators were allowed, she was there. In addition, on Saturdays and Sundays in the fall and winter you could find her cheering on her favorites, the Chicago Bears and The Ohio State University. She never lost hope that the Bears would recapture the glory of 1985.

Cathy was kind to everyone she met. She made a point to send birthday cards to all her siblings and many of her nieces and nephews every year. She loved to bake and would often share her delicious treats with family, friends, neighbors and charities. She will be most missed for her caring nature, always showing up, her knowledge and the love she gave to all those who knew her.

Cathy is survived by her husband, Charlie, Stewartville MN, her son, Chuck (Melissa), Rochester MN, her daughter, Christy (Eric) Richards, Rochester MN and her beloved grandsons, Spencer and Connor. In addition, she is survived by her mother, Clara and her siblings Ed (Sandy), Jim (Lynne), Bob (Sue), Mary (Garry) Withfoth, David (Debbie), John (Lisa), Kay (Bob) VanFleteren, Brian, Diane (Kenny) Vierling, Richard (Jodi) and Kelly (Terry) Pierson along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, Ralph, sister Jeanie, nephew Robbie, mother-in-law Elenaor Williams and her soul dog, Diesel. A celebration of life will take place on August 15 in Toledo OH.

In lieu of flowers, in memory of Cathy donations can be made to Boys Town or Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Thank you to the staff on EI 10-3 and 7-3 and The Homestead Rehab staff for taking such great care of Cathy at the end of her life. She will be deeply missed.