Kathleen “Kathy” Berchem, of Prior Lake (formerly of Plymouth & St. Louis Park), passed away January 29, 2020 at the age of 73.
A Memorial Gathering will be held to celebrate Kathy’s life on Tuesday, February 4, 2020 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM with Prayers & Reflections at 6:30 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant St. SE) in Prior Lake.
On September 1, 1946, Kathleen Mary Berchem was born to parents Charles & Lucille (Scheffler) McQuaid. Kathy was the younger sister to Robert, she always adored her big brother. Kathy grew up in Minneapolis and St. Louis Park. Her father and brother both served in the United States Armed Services, so Kathy always had a strong respect and love for her country.
After graduating from St. Louis Park High School, Kathy soon after married and was blessed with two daughters, Angela and Amy. Kathy raised her girls in St. Louis Park. They lived only two blocks from her parents and four blocks from her brother. Kathy loved her family.
Kathy was a hard worker and spent more than 22 years with Custom Research, Inc . She started out conducting phone interviews but quickly received promotions and eventually became a field coordinator. She loved the founders of the company (Jeff & Judy) and had a great relationship with them. Kathy treasured all the friendships she made at Custom Research . Her work brought her all over the country and even on a few international trips and one to meet President Clinton.
In her free time, Kathy enjoyed spending quality time with the people who were important to her. Kathy loved having long conversations and enjoying a laugh with close friends. Kathy spent time volunteering with the New Hope VFW Auxiliary along with her long-time companion and VFW Commander, Earl. Kathy and Earl also enjoyed being on the water boating with friends.
Kathy was a fun-loving woman. She was always playing jokes on friends and family, doing something silly or giggling uncontrollably with her daughter, Amy. She had a quick wit and was so funny. Kathy never missed the chance to zing you with a clever one-liner. She was a true spit-fire.
Throughout her life, people were drawn to Kathy. She made friends wherever she went. Kathy brought joy to many lives, and she will be deeply missed. Kathy now lives on in the heart of her daughter, Amy (Pam) Pieper-Berchem; other relatives and many dear friends.
Kathy was greeted in Heaven by her parents, Charles & Lucille McQuaid; brother, Robert McQuaid; long-time companion, Earl Kosberg.
