Kathleen Marie Haefner was born December 9, 1945 and died on September 25, 2026 at the age of 80. Kathy was born in Owatonna to Della (Zellmer) Haefner and Ralph Haefner. The youngest of four children. She was raised in Mankato, MN. On August 20, 1966 she married her high school sweetheart Randy Leonhardt and started a family the next year. They raised their children in Bloomington, MN

In 2003 they moved to Lakeville to be closer to their four granddaughters. Kathy loved being a grandmother and adored each of them.

Kathy is preceded in death by her husband, Randy; parents, Della (Zellmer) Haefner and Ralph Haefner, sisters, Sharon (Bill) Lindblom and Nancy Bomsta, and brother, Terry Haefner.

Kathy is survived by her, children: Michelle (Jay) Lees and Patrick Leonhardt, grandchildren: Taylor Lees, Ashley Lees, Avery Lees and Grace Lees; Brother-in-Laws: Robert Bomsta, Tim (Jeannine) Leonhardt; Sister-in -Law: Polly Haefner, Many nieces and nephews

Kathy was a homemaker while her children were growing up and later in life, she went to St. Catherine University in St. Paul to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She worked for several companies over the course of her career including Performark, Cigna Behavioral Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She enjoyed her career and being of help to others.

Kathy’s faith was very important to her; she loved Jesus and others. She was a long-time parishioner of Nativity of Mary Catholic Church in Bloomington and then later at All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville. She volunteered on the Respect Life Committee at Nativity of Mary for several years.

Kathy lived courageously with Alzheimer’s for the last ten years of her life. It was a difficult road but she always had a smile throughout the long journey. Her family was blessed to hold her hand these last weeks and pray with her as she went home to Our Lord. And we would like to acknowledge and thank the dedicated care team at Highview Hills Memory Care in Lakeville who took such good care of her these last 6 years. They were a blessing for Kathy and for her family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 AM on Thursday October 1, 2026 at the All Saints Catholic Church, 19795 Holyoke Ave., Lakeville, MN with a visitation starting at 10:30 AM at church. Interment, All Saints Cemetery, Lakeville.

We love you very much Mom and live in the hope that we will be with you again.

White Funeral Home, 952-469-2723