Katharine Sween

Katharine Charlotte Heins Sween, born June 2, 1963 in Waupun, Wisconsin, died at home in Roseville, August 17, 2019 following a long illness.

She grew up in Wisconsin and graduated from Red Wing High School in 1981 before attending Saint Olaf College. As a music major, she specialized on the flute and in music education. She later earned a Master of Arts in Music Education at Saint Thomas University in 2001.

Following her Saint Olaf graduation in 1985, she taught band five years in Wrenshall, general music one year in Hanover and music education twenty-two years at Columbia Heights Middle School, all in Minnesota. She married Scott Robert Heins on June 22, 1991 in Red Wing. Katharine and Scott’s enduring love was a model for all who knew them. They enjoyed life and one another deeply. They raised and loved their family, traveled, cherished each other and their innumerable friends and were kind and supportive to all.

In 2008, Katharine was recognized by her district becoming a semi-finalist for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Additionally, her 8 th grade band was selected to perform for the Minnesota Music Educators Conference. As an accomplished flutist, Katharine was often sought as a performing soloist.

Additional to teaching, she served as a building steward and chief negotiator for Columbia Heights School District. Katharine loved to sing and dance, enjoyed cooking, sewing and embroidery, as well as basket weaving, and was an avid follower of concerts, theatre and film. She kept numerous close friends from school days onwards.

Katharine is survived by her devoted husband, Scott, son, Benjamin (Carol) Heins-Daniels, daughter, Anna-Marie Heins, grandson, August Heins-Daniels, her parents, Roger and Patricia Sween, her brother Kristofer (Donna Dingle) Sween, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and long-time friend, Kari Berit.

A memorial service will be held on September 21 at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Drive in White Bear Lake, MN, with visitation 10-12, and service following. Undesignated memorials are preferred as the family plans for donations and a scholarship.