Katherine Aune

Katherine (Kay) Aune passed away Saturday of natural causes, just days short of her 88th birthday. Her final days were spent surrounded by her large family. Funeral Services will be November 28th at 11AM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Dutton with a private graveside and a reception following the service at the American Legion Hall.



Kay was born on Nov. 23, 1928 to Joseph and Frances Kokaly in Eveleth Minnesota. She grew up in Eveleth with her three brothers, of whom she was immensely proud. She was a happy, spunky, and talented girl with a ready smile and no shortage of friends. She was active in high school musical and drama productions.



Her father passed away in 1936, and in 1943 the family moved to Joliet, Illinois where Kay finished high school, graduating in 1946. She worked in a pathology lab, a job which stimulated her lifelong interest in the sciences. Kay continued to read and learn about the world around her throughout her adult life. She surrounded herself with books wherever she lived. Kay's love of learning inspired friends and family alike.



In 1948 Kay met and fell in love with Marvin Aune. They married on Oct. 30, 1948 and celebrated 67 years of marriage. Kay and Marvin moved to Dutton shortly after their marriage, living there until 2013, when they moved to Choteau. Kay and Marvin loved to camp, fish, and dance.



Kay was energetic, with a zest for life which served her well in raising her eight children. She got right in the middle of their play, helping them make imaginative towns in the dirt, ice skating at the Dutton reservoir, and finger painting and creating in the basement when the weather was cold. Kay's children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.



Kay's creative bent led her to take up painting, wreath-making, gardening, and playing musical instruments after her children were grown and the nest was empty. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and worked with the Ladies Aid Society. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and she spent many years working the Dutton Fun Days activities. Kay also loved bowling and golfing and was involved in league play for many years.



Kay is survived by her 8 children, 21 grandchildren, and 31 great grandchildren, with 2 more on the way. Her children include daughters, Marie (Bob) Crawford of Choteau, Frances (Jim) Combs and Marlene (Jim) Olson, both of Great Falls, and Eileen (Norm) Darlington of Three Forks; and sons, Mark (Patti) Aune of Dutton, Keith (Cindy) Aune of Bozeman, David Aune of Helena, and Chris (Suz) Aune of Utica. She is also survived by one brother, Floyd Kokaly of New Mexico.



Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Aune, her mother and father, brothers Joe Kokaly and Fred Kokaly, and one grandchild, Jodi Karlson.



The family requests memorials be sent to the Dutton Lutheran Church and the Dutton American Legion in care of Marvin Aune, Box 31, Dutton, Montana, 59433.



Condolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com