Kay M. Midthun

Kay M. Midthun, age 71, of Lake Crystal, died Friday, May 23, 2025.

A Celebration of Kay’s Life will be 11:00 a.m., June 14, 2025, at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be one hour before service. Private interment will take place at Lake Crystal Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be given to the Sharing Shelf of the First Baptist Church of Lake Crystal or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kay was born September 21, 1953, the youngest of three children, to Donald R. Sr. and Letitia R. “Bonnie” (Campbell) Campbell in Mankato. Kay grew up on the family farm just outside Lake Crystal. She had an adventurous spirit leading her to travel abroad as a foreign exchange student to Turkey during high school. She returned home and graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1972. Kay went on to attend Winona State University earning her degree in education.

Kay was united in marriage to Kenneth J. Midthun, on May 29, 1976, on the south lawn of the Campbell Farm.

Kay and Kenneth lived in Minnesota, Germany, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona before returning to Minnesota in 2015.

Kay worked in many different fields during her lifetime but teaching was her primary passion. She taught special education in Eyota, MN and Madelia, MN and second grade in Rio Rancho, NM.

Kay was an enthusiastic sports fan and loved to cheer on all MN sports teams. She was a hard worker with values instilled in her growing up as a farmgirl. She was always active helping others, volunteering at the food shelf, supporting breast cancer research, cooking, baking and teaching others.

Kay loved attending all of her grandkid’s events and time spent with her family.

Kay is survived by her husband of 49 years, Kenneth; two children, Stephanie (Eva Rychly) Midthun of Shoreview and Peter (Christina) Midthun of St. Peter; two grandchildren, Emma and Logan; brother, Don (Susan) Campbell of Lake Crystal; brother-in-law, David Roder of Lake Crystal; sister-in-law, Karen Myers of Lake Crystal; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Colleen “Coc” Roder; parents-in-law, Bob and Ginny Midthun, and brother-in-law, Doug Midthun.