Kathryn Robers

Kathryn Anne (Nelson) Robers, of Dairyland Wisconsin, passed quietly away on the morning of July 28, 2008 at the age of 61, after a short but intense battle with cancer. Kathryn was born June 28, 1947 in Superior, Wisconsin and spent her early years in the Nelson's family farmhouse in Kingsdale, Minnesota. Following a fire, the family moved to the old Stevens School building in Dairyland, Wisconsin when she was 14. Kathryn attended Webster High School, where she participated in Forensics and Drama, as well as many other activities. Her intelligence and hard work led to her being named as a National Merit Scholar in 1965. She attended Macalester College for two years before discovering that her future lay down a different path. Shortly thereafter she suffered a tragic head injury that left her comatose for weeks. She finally awoke, and after months of difficult rehabilitation was released into the world, still our Kathy, bright and cheerful and with a great sense of humor, but one with some physical challenges. She spent some time working with the staff of the DCCA in Superior, before deciding to attend Southwest Minnesota State University, where she studied for another two years. After her time in school came to an end, Kathy was married to Bernard Robers and settled into the life of a country wife and mother. Although her physical limitations presented some challenges of their own, Kathy adapted quite well, and in May of 1976 a son, Michael was welcomed to the family. Although spare time was scarce, Kathy enjoyed reading as well as working crosswords and other puzzles, and establishing a reputation as a superb Scrabble player. She was also a member of the Dairyland Homemaker's Club. However in the winter of 1996 another challenge appeared as Kathryn found herself unexpectedly widowed. Since that time, she has become a housemate to her mother Helen, continued to be a great Mom to Mike and her reign as a Scrabble champ continued until recently, when her cancer provided the one challenge she wasn't able to overcome. Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Robers; father Russell Nelson, and an older brother Charles Nelson. Kathryn is survived by her sons Michael and Tony Nelson, two grandchildren Marcus and Chelsea Nelson, mother Helen Nelson, one sister Wendy Schmidt, and three brothers, John (Auring), Carl (Debbie) and Robert (Diane), as well as nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Funeral services were held Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home with Chaplin Ron Henely officiating. Honorary casketbearers were Carl Nelson, Robert Nelson, Marcus Nelson, John Nelson, Anthony Nelson and Michael Robers. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster, Wisconsin.