Kay Harlene Ostlund died at Unity Hospital in Fridley, Minn. on Feb. 26, 2004 at the age of 73 years.

Kay, the daughter of Kermit and Mina (Slaalien) Isackson, was born Dec. 17, 1930 in Duluth, Minn., and was the oldest of their three children.

Kay grew up in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School. She worked for the telephone company for a period of time and later went to telegraph school in Minneapolis, Minn. After receiving her certificate, she became an agent telegrapher for the Northern Pacific Railway, a position she held for 18 years. In later years she worked as a home health aide.

While working at the railroad, Kay met Walter Ostlund. They were married in 1952 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Duluth, the same church Kayís family had attended for many years.

Attending school was not Kayís favorite thing to do, but she took several community education classes and one of her favorites was a gourmet cooking class. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, American Legion Auxiliary member and past president, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the church choir. Her favorite place to help at church was in the kitchen. She was well known for her cooking and baking skills, often making bread for her family, friends, and neighbors. She also belonged to knitting and bridge clubs.

Kay especially liked seasonal decorations that lit up or made noise and Halloween was one of her favorite holidays. Her grandchildren loved it! Trains were another passion, and her long time employment with the railroad gave her the opportunity to collect many makes and models. She loved to have fun and try new things, and one of her last adventures was a plane ride on New Yearís Eve. She claimed it was the best thing she had ever done. A constant giver, Kay never left anyone out. She prided herself in her family, and that pride was felt and heard by the many people that knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Walt of Rush City; her daughters, Carol (Brian) Walberg, Stillwater, Caren (Jim) Sundquist, Grantsburg, WI, and Christy (Scott) Jahnz, Pine City; her sons: Donald (Donna) Ostlund, and Douglas Ostlund, all of Rush City, and Darryl Ostlund of Shoreview; grandchildren: Nicole and Breanna Walberg, Amy, Sara, and rebecca Sundquist, Eric and Jenny Ostlund, Jacob Ostlund, and Benjamin, Shauna, Carissa, and Adam Jahnz; great granddaughter: Macy Nickerson; her brotherís wives: Sandy Isackson and Eileen (Jorge) Hagenbrock, and their children; three nieces, four great nieces, two great nephews, and many cousins. In addition she is survived by her husbandís great family which includes his brother, five sisters and their spouses, 21 nieces and nephews and their spouses, and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kermit and Mina Isackson, infant daughters Angeline and Ann Marie, and her brothers Jack and Richard Isackson.

Funeral service was at 2 p.m. Monday, March 1, at Harris Covenant Church in Harris with Pastor Niel Bonkoski officiating. Organist was Glenna Reierson and soloist was Tom Kloecki. Special music was performed by Jeannette Kurtz and her granddaughters. Casket bearers were Steve Shodahl, Mark nelson, Brad Fairbanks, Mark Lindh, Bruce Ostlund, and Eric Ostlund. A spring interment will take place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Harris. Arrangements were entrusted to the Olson Chapel, Funeral and Cremation Service, Rush City.

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