Kathryn Mary Jessen (nee Olson) was born February 1, 1912 and grew up in Milwaukee, WI. She was the daughter of Christian N. Olson and Anna Marie Joecks Olson, and the eldest of four siblings, including Elizabeth Anne, Norman Christian, and Irvin Frederick. In June, 1934 she married John W. Jessen of Milwaukee, and they became parents of Nancy Elizabeth, Marilyn Jean, Kathryn Lucille, an Susan JoAnne. Marriages and parenting of the children brought four grandchildren into her family, and grandchildren's marriages in turn have resulted in the births of six great-grandchildren and the addition of several in-laws and two step-great grandchildren. Kathryn's brothers and their wives, Elizabeth Irwin and Margaret Sorensen brought twelve nieces and nephews into her life, and their subsequent marriages, children and grandchildren resulted in a continuing expansion of her extended family. She continued personal interest in everyone, even after moving from Wisconsin to Washington state, and was generally regarded as the "mater familias" after the death of her own mother in 1969. From her childhood on, Kathryn's family and friends were the center of her life's interest. Building on childhood love of the out-of-doors, she and her husband gave leadership to family activites in camping, swimming, hiking, traveling and out-door games. She was a superb card-player, enjoying bridge and a wide variety of games with children. Her talents in knitting, crocheting and embroidery were used not only in beautiful garments, but also in handsome covers for tables and beds. Later in life she volunteered in retirement communities, assisting residents to produce their own creative artwork. Throughout her adult life Kathryn volunteered in her church, children's schools and a variety of community organizations to enrich the programs of all. Following graduation from Riverside High School in Milwaukee, Kathryn worked for several years at the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Milwaukee. She left paid emplyment to devote most of her time and attention to her children. However, as the youngest went off to college, she resumed her own career, working as an auditor for the National Fire Insurance Bureau in Milwaukee until she retired. As always, leaving any organization did not result in completely cutting ties, but in preserving griendships through individual or group contacts. Her entire life has left a heritage of warm relationships and friendships, with numbers of friends continuing to "call Katy" for updates on "how things are" in her current or former friendships, organizations and communities. And as Kathryn is remembered with affection and held in high regard by family, friends, neighbors, and associates, her legacy will be to inspire in others a continuing sense of family and community responsibility and devotion, of faith in God, and of joy in the everyday work and fun of life...there is no higher calling.