Kathryn Mary (Hafen) Shatek

October 4, 1947 – October 15, 2025

Kathryn M. Shatek, age 78, of Annandale, MN, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by family.

Kathryn Mary Hafen was born on October 4, 1947, in Monroe, WI to William and Martha (Naef) Hafen. Kate graduated from Brodhead High School Class of 1965 after which she studied to be an X-ray technician at Mercy Hospital. She enjoyed serving veterans at the VA Medical Center and ended her fulfilling 45-year career in 2009.

On December 27, 1969, Kate and Ronald Shatek were united in marriage in Lourdes, IA. In the early years, Kate enjoyed her travels with Ron which included camping, fishing in Canada, and a European trip to Switzerland, her parents’ homeland. She was very proud of Swiss heritage.

When faced with declining health, she adapted to a new season of her life where her joys were watching birds, sports on TV, solving puzzles and playing games with family. Her family will remember the grace, dignity, and courage which she showed while silently suffering from chronic illness. Her endurance stemmed from her devoted Catholic faith and love of Christ.

She is survived by her husband, Ron; children, Teresa (Bob)Donnett, Rebecca (Brent)Kabat, Nick (Liz)Shatek, Andy (Carrie)Shatek; 18 grandchildren, 1 great-granddaughter; siblings, Irene Slatter, Bob (Sharon)Britt, Eileen (Jim)Rech, Carol (Bill)St. John; many nieces, nephews, other family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William, Harold, and Robert Hafen; brother-in-law, John Slatter; and sisters-in-law, Helen and Carol Hafen.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 24, 2025, at the Church of St. Luke, Clearwater, MN with burial in St. Luke’s Catholic Cemetery.