Kay VanAlstine

Kay Maxine VanAlstine (age 67) of Rush City, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis following a lengthy battle with amyloidosis. Kay was born on December 15, 1943 on the old Peterson farm north of Rush City to Clair and Marian VanSickle. She grew up with three brothers – Lloyd, Don, and Bill – who loved her and loved to tease her. They lived on the Peterson farm, moved to the Robinson farm, before purchasing the Diffenbacher farm on River Road, east of Rush City. Kay attended elementary and high school in Rush City and graduated in 1961. During high school she met her husband, Robert VanAlstine, at Amos and Andy’s Dairy Store in Rush City. After falling in love over root beer floats, they married in October of 1963. Rob and Kay lived in the Twin Cities until 1968 when they moved to Rush City and purchased Bob’s Barbershop in North Branch. Rob and Kay purchased the Diffenbacher farm and raised their children, Bob and Sharri, as well a barn full of horses and the occasional cow. Kay and her family and friends enjoyed many hours at horse shows while the children were growing up. They also enjoyed the activities at Rush City Baptist Church and the local schools. In recent years, Kay was heavily involved with her grandchildren, Frankki (17), Joe (11), and Nina (10). Running to the pool, visiting garage sales, and attending their school activities filled her days and her photo albums. Kay also loved the people and activities of the Rush City Bible Church (formerly the Rush City Covenant Church) who have become family over the past 20 years. Her most recent exploits include trips to area thrift stores, meals at any restaurant with good strawberry-rhubarb pie, and mitten-making with friend, Norma Moses. Kay was preceded in death by her younger brother, Willard “Bill” Van Sickle, and her parents, Clair and Marian (Swanson) VanSickle. Kay was a tender and caring mother and homemaker who will be sorely missed. Kay is survived by her husband, Robert VanAlstine of Rush City; son, Bob VanAlstine of Rush City and grandchildren, Frankki, Joe, and Nina; daughter, Sharri VanAlstine of Rush City; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lloyd & Verna VanSickle of Bloomington, Minnesota and Don & Jan VanSickle of Cambridge, Minnesota, Diane (Chuck) Higgins of Lakeville, MN; uncle and aunt, Albert and Merlyn of California; aunt, Bernice Gelden of Minneapolis, and uncle Russ Albus of California; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. A time of visitation and reviewal will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Olson Chapel in Rush City. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral will be officiated by Pastor Greg Gritz at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2011; at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rush City, Minnesota; 1000 South Jay Ave. Music will be provided by Rev. Laurie O’Shea and Pastor Greg Gritz. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Olson Chapel of Rush City. www.funeralandcremationservice.com