Katherine E. "Kay" "Kate" Ternus

Age 81, of Stillwater, passed away March 22, 2025.

She will be sadly missed by husband, Gerald; children, Judy (Bob) Goebel, Joe (Sara Love) Ternus and Suzanne Rhodes; grandchildren, Ben, Will and Jack Goebel, Taylor Schmidt, Abby Ternus and Connor Rhodes; brother, John (Gerry) Kuesel; sister, Karen (David) Newell; many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

“Kay” was born January 31, 1944, in Oakland, CA, to Wayne and Dorothy Kuesel. Her family moved back to Minnesota shortly after her birth and she was raised with her brother and sister in St. Cloud and Anoka. Kay went to the U of M after high school and began her long life’s journey of school and work.

“Kate” aspired to work at any and all things creative. She designed window displays in New York and Minneapolis, worked in a wide variety of retail and management positions, and taught retail sales and management at Century College; she wore many hats and did it with style. She married Gerald “Skip” Ternus on her birthday in 1970. Judy and Joe were born in Crystal, MN, and then the family moved to Mahtomedi in 1975. They spent much of their time together with family and were very active at their church, St Jude. She returned to college to complete her bachelor’s degree in the early 1990’s so she could “get it done before my kids do!”.

Toward the end of her career and into retirement, Kate co-authored a definitive textbook for her field, “Silent Selling.” This was a very proud accomplishment of hers. With the arrival of her grandchildren, Kate became “Nana,” and they, in turn, became the thing she was most proud of.

She spent her last weeks at Boutwell’s Landing in the embrace of the Staff and Hospice Team, who helped us support her on her final journey. There aren't enough words to describe what they meant to her and this surviving family.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, April 11, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at St. Jude of the Lake Catholic Church, 700 Mahtomedi Avenue, Mahtomedi.

Visitation Thursday, April 10, 2025, 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, and one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

The mass will also be live-streamed through the church's channel online. (https://www.youtube.com/@st.judeofthelakechurch5470)

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Presbyterian Homes of Stillwater or the Mahtomedi Food Shelf