Katherine Elaine Else

Katherine E. Else of Lewisville, Minn., passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 17, 2025, at age 76. Katherine Elaine Greier was born on March 25, 1949, in Lewisville to Leroy and Ruth (Maloney) Greier as one of seven children.

Born and raised on the family farm, Kathy was a farm girl at heart. She spent her childhood participating in 4H, playing softball, spending time with her friends, gardening, and helping on the farm—from baling hay and driving tractors to bean walking and detasseling corn. Even from a young age, Kathy lived life on her own terms, with a little bit of sass and a whole lot of determination. Everyone who knew her admired her being a hard worker, and she inspired those around her to know that if there was a will, there was a way, and to never give up.

Kathy graduated from Truman High School in 1967. She was baptized, confirmed, and married to Wendell Else at Zion Lutheran Church in Lewisville. Although life led her and Wendell in different directions, they remained lifelong friends who loved each other and their five children dearly. This love was best expressed through Kathy’s heart of service. She would spend many hours sewing clothes and Halloween costumes for her children. She also valued cooking great, homemade meals and made sure no one ever went hungry.

She worked in the service industry her entire life, even owning and operating her own restaurant, Kathy and Co., from 1986 to 1989. The place was filled with love, laughter, and lots of milkshakes and pie. When most people would have retired, Kathy continued to work full time in service and helping on the farm. Her last hospitality job was serving eight years as deli manager at Kevin’s Market in Lake Crystal until 2023. She loved the community it had for her, and the “guys” in turn loved coming in and making sure Kathy was the one cooking so they knew the food would be home-cooked and excellent.

Kathy had an eye for beautiful things, from styling her hair and nails to rocking sparkly jewelry. She especially loved gardening and growing flowers of all kinds and varieties.

She will be remembered by Wendell Else; children, Krysta Osborn, Kimberly (Wade) Roeker, Kyle Else, and Karyn Else (Mike Bauer); grandchildren, Joshua (Kari) Else, Ryan Roeker, and Allyssa Roeker; great-granddaughters, Eden, Anna, and Kori Else; siblings, Carol Greier (Larry Klimek), Mardell (Randy) Timm, Kevin (Janae) Greier, Keith (Allison) Greier, and Kiyla (Dennis) Schwarz; and extended family and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her son Kory Else, parents Leroy and Ruth Greier, and sister Janelle Greier.

A celebration of life will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Lewisville Legion. Zaharia Family Funeral & Cremation Service are handling arrangements.