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Kathy Sletten 05/22/2023

Kathy Sletten 05/22/2023

After a courageous battle with breast cancer, Kathy Kaye Kampa Sletten went to her heavenly home on Monday, May 22, 2023. God answered her prayers, and she was able to be surrounded by many of her loved ones on Saturday and Sunday before her passing.Kathy Kaye, “Toddo,” was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on August 21, 1960 to Barbara (Hatlestad) and Victor Kampa.  The family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in 1962 where she attended West High School. She was the Homecoming Queen and graduated in 1978.  She attended UW-Madison where she met her husband, David Paul Sletten.  He was “the boy upstairs.”  They were married on October 1, 1983.  Kathy and Dave moved to Houston, Texas, where she started a career in the travel industry.  She worked for many years as a travel agent, organizing group travel. She especially enjoyed taking groups to Russia, bringing home beautiful pins, Matryoshka dolls, and carved Santas for family and friends.  Later in her career, she worked for Delta Airlines, and enjoyed the travel opportunities this job afforded her, taking many spontaneous trips on standby with family and friends.  A few of her favorite travel destinations were Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.They were blessed with two children, Matthew James Sletten and Elizabeth Kathryn (Sletten) Skoglund. They were proud to attend both Matthew and Elizabeth’s sporting events growing up, as well as Elizabeth’s choir concerts.  When Elizabeth attended UW-Eau Claire, a favorite music event of theirs was the Viennese Ball.  She and Dave took waltzing lessons to fully prepare for and enjoy the event. One of her greatest joys was her granddaughter, Elin Croix Skoglund, born 2-22-22.  In her final weeks, Elin visited her many times at the hospital. Despite her health, she always perked up watching her toddle around, play, and practice her animal sounds.  Kathy loved to cook and entertain, spending countless hours looking through cookbooks with Dave as they menu planned.  She set a beautiful table, carefully selecting which set of dishes were perfect for the event. Kathy also cooked at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater for Matthew and Elizabeth’s Wednesday Night School, and loved cooking Birthday breakfasts for her children and their friends each year. She loved Christmas, decorating every inch of their Victorian home to look like a Christmas gift shop, and would listen to her favorite Christmas album, The Steeles, year round.  She collected a Christmas ornament from each of her travel destinations, and would tell stories about them as the family decorated the tree. She was a proud member of the exclusive Nefertiti club, which includes three generations of strong, sassy women. She is survived by her son, Matthew Sletten; daughter, Elizabeth (Michael) Skoglund and granddaughter, Elin Croix Skoglund; father, Victor James Kampa and mother, Barbara (Hatlestad) Kampa; sister, Lori (Randy) Williams; brother, Mark (Karen) Kampa; mother-in-law, Phyllis (Nesseth) Sletten; sister-in-law, Linda (Dean) Johnson; brother-in-law, Michael Sletten; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, David Paul Sletten; maternal grandparents, Ole and Bertha Hatlestad; paternal grandparents, Caroline and George Kampa; father-in-law, Paul Sletten; and beloved aunts and uncles. A memorial service was held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 12pm with visitation starting at 11am at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (805 East Division Street) River Falls, Wisconsin, and was live streamed using the link below.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Kathy’s service.

11 Comments

  • Marilyn and Paul Martin Posted May 23, 2023 3:37 pm

    So, so sorry. Kathy (and Dave) were our good friends for over thirty years.

  • Jill Cerniglia Posted May 24, 2023 10:21 am

    There are no words.
    My love sent to Vic,Barb & family.
    God needed another fun loving angel.
    God only picks the best.

  • Virginia Botham Posted May 24, 2023 10:39 am

    Condolences to all the Kampa’s❤️❤️❤️Kathy was such a sweet heart. I am so happy My daughter Mary and I were able to have a yummy brunch at her home in River Falls a few years ago. It was a very special treat. She was an awesome cook and hostess. May God be with you at this difficult time.. May all the wonderful memories suffice you and know that Dave and Kathy are together again and all their earthly jobs are over and they can rest in peace.💕 Love you 😘

  • Tammy Schultz Greiber Posted May 24, 2023 11:19 am

    I will always remember Kathy’s smile and infectious giggle. My prayers go out to the entire family. Keep her memory alive everyday💕

  • Elizabeth Jackson Posted May 24, 2023 12:24 pm

    Condolences from the Jackson Family. Our hearts are heavy hearing of your loss. God Bless!

  • Traci Adcock Posted May 24, 2023 3:08 pm

    Kathy was beautiful inside and out! I looked up to her as a little girl, she reminded me of one of the girls from The Brady Bunch! I introduced my husband to my parents for the first time at her home in Stillwater. She will be so missed. Sending lots of love to the family ❤️

  • Dennis Broderick Posted May 24, 2023 3:24 pm

    Kathy will always be remembered in my heart as a tough courageous woman with a heart of gold. May she & Dave rest in eternal peace. Prayers for the entire family.

  • Carmen Rideout Posted May 25, 2023 9:14 am

    Much love to all of her family and friends. I will miss her very very much…rest in peace my friend. Love you always.

  • Jim Schnebelen Posted May 25, 2023 10:32 pm

    I’m so fortunate to have worked with Kathy at Delta Air Lines. Whether discussing the recipe for the delicious dish she brought in for food day or learning about her travels, it was always the highlight of my day. If I close my eyes I can see her bright smile and hear her infectious laugh.
    Much love to all.

  • David Dutch Posted May 30, 2023 11:26 am

    Such sad news. I went to school with Kathy from 6th through 12 th grade. She was the perfect Homecoming queen! God Bless your family.
    David Dutch

  • Cindy Brown Posted May 31, 2023 6:43 pm

    I feel very lucky to have gotten to know Kathy while at Delta Air Lines. Our backgrounds were very similar and we shared much in common. Both of us had worked as travel agents and tour directors before working in the airline industry. Also, both of our daughters studied music in college and sang in choirs. I remember joining Kathy and Dave at one of Elizabeth’s concerts held at St. Thomas. Both of our girls became educators, as well. I loved talking with Kathy and sharing stories from our travel as tour directors. Sending thought and prayers to Kathy’s family and to all those who knew and loved her.

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