Kathryn Jo (Ilse) Sutich

Kathryn Jo Sutich passed away peacefully at Carefree Living in Cook, Minn., on December 26, 2025. She was 78 years old.

Born to Ward and Josie Ilse on October 29, 1947, Kathy grew up in Virginia, Minn., and graduated from Virginia High School. She dedicated her life to caring for others as a registered nurse at Virginia Regional Medical Center—a role she embraced with pride and compassion.

Kathy loved spending time at her home on Lake Vermilion, where she enjoyed fishing, boating, side-by-side rides, and snowmobiling. Her happiest moments were those shared with family and friends. In her retirement, she found joy in cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 55 years, Nick Sutich; daughters, Nicole (Matt) Cochran of Duluth and Michelle Sutich of Virginia; five cherished grandchildren—Carson, Kaelin, and Christian Cochran, Mason and Micaden Clines; sister, Barb (Len) Rosner of Rapid City, SD; brother, Jim Ilse of Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law, Steve (Sue) Sutich of Cotton; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Ward and Josie Ilse; brother, Charlie Ilse; and sister, Nancy Thoreson (Ilse).

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society in Kathy’s memory.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Carefree Living and Moments Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness during this time.