Kathryn "Kathy" Ann Kerst of Rochester, MN passed away Sunday, May 27, following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded by her family, whom she dearly loved.

Kathy was born on January 21, 1950 in Crete, Nebraska to Karl F. and Bertha M. (Quay) Kerst. She graduated from Crete High School and completed her Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Dramatic Art at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She went on to complete her Masters of Arts Degree in Audiology at UNL and worked as an Aural Rehabilitation Specialist in the Millard Public Schools in Omaha. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa to serve as the Supervisor of Audiological Services at the Des Moines Hearing and Speech Center. Following that position, she provided clinical audiology services in both private practice ENT offices as well as at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Among other accomplishments, Kathy became an Occupational Audiologist, driving a 5th wheel rig, doing mobile-hearing-testing across western Iowa and eastern Nebraska. Ever the student, she went on to complete a Masters Degree in Public Administration Heath Care Management. She became a Disability Specialist for Drake University for a few years until she was recruited for a clinical audiology position in Mayo Clinic's Department of Audiology. She served in the Audiology Supervisor position until her health prevented her from continuing.

Kathy was a lifelong Nebraska Husker fan, loved attending small town festivals, and long drives along the Mississippi River. She enjoyed collecting violet dishes and anything pineapple but will best be remembered for her kind smile and her Santa collection, second to none.

Kathy is survived by sisters, Carol (Jerome) Schnell of Dorchester, NE, Cynthia (Ken) Baker of Rosemount, MN, Cheryl Roth of Crete, NE, and Karla (Warren) Tresler of David City, NE; twelve nieces and nephews; nine great-nieces and nephews; and three great-great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and scores of friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and infant sister, Patty Jo.

An audiology scholarship will be established in Kathy's name. In lieu of flowers please send memorial donations to Ken Baker at 3999 144th Street West, Rosemount, MN 55068.

Minnesota Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 31 at Madonna Towers Chapel (4001 19th Avenue SW, Rochester, Minnesota) with Rev. Thomas Loomis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service with Rosary at 10:45 am.

Nebraska service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 9 at Sacred Heart Church, Crete, Nebraska. Visitation and Rosary will be one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery at a later date.