Kate Skophammer

Katherine (Kate) Skophammer, 52, of Bloomington, MN, passed away unexpectedly on February 25, 2024, after suffering a brain aneurysm while doing what she loved, running with her friends. Kate was born on June 10, 1971, to Thomas and Cheryl Schmid in Fargo, North Dakota. She grew up in Burlington, ND, graduating from Des Lacs-Burlington High School in 1989 where her dad also taught science. She went on to NDSU, participating on the speech team and then to MSU-Minot where she completed her associate degree in medical transcription. In 2007, Kate graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia with a degree in English literature and earned her master's degree in humanities at ODU two years later. While in Virginia, Kate met Roger Skophammer, and after taking him to Baltimore on a date to see the Orioles play Roger's hometown Twins team, their fate was sealed. They were married on February 21, 2007. Kate and Roger welcomed Roger Thomas (Sam) Skophammer on May 11, 2011. Kate worked as an adjunct instructor of communications at ODU and as a bridges program coordinator at Dakota College at Bottineau, ND before Kate and Roger moved to Boston where she landed a job at Northeastern University as an institutional review board (IRB) coordinator in 2012. After leaving Boston, Kate continued to work remotely at Northeastern for a total of 10 years before taking a position as IRB administrator at Children's Minnesota hospital in 2022. Growing up, Kate was an avid reader who could nearly always be found with her younger sister, Nikki, and their cousin Harvey Schneider. A product of the 80's, she appreciated the movies, music and TV from that era throughout her life, but it was her parents who shaped her open-minded and thoughtful perspective on the world. She also loved spending time with her grandparents who were very influential and helped develop the well-rounded foundation that would serve her for the rest of her life. As an adult, Kate had such a broad range of interests that she could connect with anyone. Whether it was complex policy issues, in-depth literary discussions or the Marvel Universe and her beloved NDSU Bison, she was comfortable talking about all of it. Kate hated to miss out on any opportunity to connect, so she was continually planning something new or showing up for others at their important events. And she always had just the right recipe or special dish to share and was sure to include options for those who needed something a little different. She looked out for everyone, which was true in everything she did. Not only did she look out for everyone, Kate genuinely cared about them. It didn't matter how distant the connection, Kate empathized with them as if they were her own family. Anyone going through a tough time could expect a little gift on their doorstep or an encouraging text message or a card in the mail. She never missed birthdays or anniversaries and seemed to know all the important moments in people's lives. And Kate was a fierce advocate for those who were treated unfairly or were marginalized. Whether it was bullying that she witnessed firsthand or abuses on the other side of the world, Kate felt deeply for those involved and took action. Kate's sanctuary was her running club. She was surrounded by an incredible group of supportive women who motivated and inspired her. Those friendships were dear to Kate, and their adventures extended beyond running and often included coffee, drinks, dinners and even travels together. Kate touched many lives and will be missed by them all. Kate was preceded in death by her grandparents Helmer Kristianson and Sadie Kristianson, Robert Schmid and Agnes Schmid, her niece Maggie Robbins and Roger's parents Roger Skophammer Sr. and Laura Skophammer. She is survived by her husband Roger Skophammer, son Sam Skophammer, stepdaughter Elise Main (Mike), parents Thomas Schmid and Cheryl Schmid, sister Nikki Lundeen (Jon) and grandchildren Cassie, Owen and Delaney. She is also survived by Roger's siblings, Trish Skophammer, Gwen Kettinger (Jerry) and Pete Skophammer (Dawn) along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Kate's generous nature continued even after her passing as her organs were donated to change lives for people in desperate need. Her final way of looking out for others. A Celebration of Life will be held at Washburn-McReavy Dawn Valley Chapel, 9940 Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Visitation will be held at 1:00 until the time of the service and a luncheon will be served afterward. The family has asked that guests dress in whichever way makes them most comfortable, and informal attire is certainly welcomed.

Tributes

Kate Skophammer

June 10, 1971

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