Kathleen “Kathy” Officer

Surrey, Ryder

Kathleen “Kathy” Officer, 76, of Surrey, ND and Ryder, ND, went home to the Lord, and her soulmate Rod, surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Trinity Hospital.

Kathy was born October 6, 1948, a daughter of Leon and Treasa (Lacher) Driessen of Balfour, ND. She was raised on the family farm, where she loved working alongside her dad with the cattle and farming the land. She did everything from milking cows to driving tractors and stacking hay. Even from a young age any animal that crossed her path was considered a friend. Even though it was considered chores she enjoyed every minute of being outside. She attended a country school through the 6th grade. She then attended Balfour High School.

In 1966, she was united in marriage to Elroy Herr. From this union three children were born, Lonnie, Dean, and Kim. She enjoyed playing softball along with coaching her children in baseball and softball. In the early years of this marriage she babysat for many families. The couple later decided to part ways.

In 1976, she began working at Surrey Public School as a kitchen helper. She worked there for five years. In 1981, she started her career at Trinity Homes as a CNA. In 1985, she transferred to the physical therapy department. Being a natural caregiver this was the perfect fit, she loved her residents. After 30 years of service, she decided to retire, and went into the farming field full time.

On July 2, 1994, Kathy was united in marriage to Rodney Officer, her true love, in Ryder ND. They made Ryder, ND their summer home and Surrey their winter home. She enjoyed working with Rod in the field whether it was going for parts, taking lunch out, driving grain trucks, or combining. Although she loved working in the field, being with her grandkids and the neighborhood kids is where she preferred to be. Until Rodney passed away March 31, 2015. Although we are all saddened we rejoice knowing that she is finally alongside her soulmate.

Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the true light of her life. When she was able there was not an event she was not at. Rain, shine or storming she wanted to show her pride and love in her children and grandchildren. She loved to play pinochle, aggravation (marbles), skip bo, uno, gardening, mowing grass and she always made time for a coffee break. She enjoyed sharing the fruit of her garden with anyone that could use it. The highlight of any day for Kathy was getting together with friends, neighbors and her family. Kathy’s all time favorite pastime was spoiling her dog at the time (basically a child.) Anyone that had met one of her dogs wished they could be so lucky to live a life like that. She was truly a caretaker of all caretakers.

Kathy was an active member of the Surrey Senior Center, and Hope Lutheran Church of Surrey.

Her loving family includes: her children, Lonnie Herr, Deadwood, SD, Kim Lanphere (Jami DeCent), Surrey, ND; grandchildren, Levi (Amanda) Landphere, Minot, ND, Cody (McKenzie) Landphere, Minot, ND, and Griffin Herr, Minot, ND; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Emma, Judd, and Blair; brother, Gary (Beverly) Driessen, Bismarck, ND; sister, Rita (Garry) Mehrer, Surrey, ND; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rodney; and son, Dean Herr.

Visitation: Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 3 until 5 pm at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Funeral Service: Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11 am at the Hope Lutheran Church, Surrey, ND

Graveside Service: Monday, March 3, 2025 at 1:45 pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 1, 2025.