Kathryn Mae Cunningham

Cunningham, Kathryn M. "Kathy" of St. Paul, Minnesota passed away on September 2, 2025. Preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lydia Nelson; husband, Charles Cunningham; sister, Anne Louise Nelson; and brothers, Harold and Raymond. She is survived by her brother, Doug (Sue) Nelson; daughter, Dawn (Timothy) Ostrem; son, Greg (Kimberly) Cunningham; five grandchildren, Karyn (Seth) Vander Kooy, Thomas and Erik Ostrem, Kaitlin and Ryan Cunningham; two great-granddaughters, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Kathy was born and raised in Minneapolis where she attended Marshall High School and the University of Minnesota. She then entered the Management Training Program at Donaldson's Department Store. She was a fashion buyer for the store for many years and also worked at Powers Department Store. In 1959, Kathy married Charlie Cunningham. They enjoyed over 60 years of marriage, attending music concerts, Gopher games, playing golf, and socializing with friends and family. They always put family first, deeply involving themselves in their family's interests. They especially loved attending their grandchildren's activities and events. Kathy was heavily involved in community organizations as well. She spent decades volunteering and supporting the Minnesota Orchestra, McPhail, and the Gustavus Library Associates. Kathy also enjoyed going to Gopher Football and Basketball games with her husband having season tickets for over 50 years. Kathy's biggest personal interest was music. From a young age she served the Minnesota Orchestra in several capacities. As a member of WAMSO (Women's Association of the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra), she served on many committees including the Dedication Concert Committee for the opening of Orchestra Hall. From 1980 to 1982, she was president of WAMSO and began her decades of service as a member of the Orchestra's board of directors. She also was on the national board of Volunteer Council of the League of American Orchestras. In recognition of Kathy's exemplary service to the Minnesota Orchestra she was elected as a Life Director in 2004. She served as a Chair of the Archives Committee and as a member of the Board's Executive Committee. Kathy and Charlie enjoyed attending Minnesota Orchestra concerts and even traveled with them on a few overseas tours. Kathy and Charlie always had a particular interest in youth education. They provided scholarship support to young scholars, musicians, and athletes through the University of Minnesota, Gustavus, and St. Olaf. In addition, Kathy served on the board of MacPhail Center for Music as well as the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony where she was previously president. The Cunningham's were honored by receiving MacPhail's "Duet" Award given for outstanding service and support. Kathy and her husband were active members of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Minneapolis for more than 60 years. Together they devoted their time and energy to the Church's youth and music ministries, Cathedral of the Pines Camp, and disabled care (Rolling Acres) programs. Kathy worked in an administrative role in the youth ministries department and served on the Rolling Acres and Home Auxiliary board for many years. A memorial service will be held at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church (5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis) on September 12 at 2:30pm with a visitation beginning at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church (5025 Knox Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55419), the Minnesota Orchestra (1111 Nicolet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403) or MacPhail (501 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis MN 55401). Private interment Lakewood Cemetery Minneapolis.

Tributes

Kathryn Mae Cunningham

September 2, 2025

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203