Kathy Billington, 77, Dodge Center
Kathy Billington passed away peacefully on July 15, 2023, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, surrounded by her family. Kathy was born on November 2, 1945, in Rochester to Robert and Florence Greten. She graduated from Lourdes HS, Rochester in 1963. Shortly after graduation she enlisted in the Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes, IL. She married Jon Billington and they had two sons, Bruce and Bryan. They later divorced. In 1983, Kathy married Jim Freeman and welcomed his 5 children to their family. After herhusband retired from IBM, he became active in pyrotechnics, so both of them traveled yearly to different states for pyrotechnics conventions. Once again, Kathy met very many new friends. She traveled out of state to learn how to repair bicycles and soon opened a bike shop called Sagwagon. Her shop started in her home, then in Mantorville, and finally in Kasson. Kathy loved having young kids there to teach and show them what repairs needed to be done. Her shop also sold skateboards and helmets and she really wanted to get a skateboard park started in Kasson. Jim and Kathy wintered in Mexico and Texas but permanently moved to Leesburg, FL. Jim and Kathy both joined St. James Episcopal Church there and Kathy became a member of "Daughters of the King" and pledged herself to a life-long program of prayer, service, and evangelism. Her husband died in 2019. Kathy loved to ride her trike and was a member of CMA (Christian Motorcycle Assn.) and rode with that group through many states. She was a caring woman with many talents and whatever state or country she was in, she gave loving support to everyone, even those she didn't know very well. In the summer of 2022 she decided to move back to Dodge Center to be closer to family and friends.
Kathy is survived by her son Bruce (Jen), Bryan (Patricia), stepchildren David (Pam), Jeanne (Mike), Carl, Angela, sister Annette (Gary), 9 granchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Kathy loved her family, friends, and her dog Sonny dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents and husbands.
Special thanks to Season's Hospice for the care they gave Kathy. Many thanks to all of the staff at St. Peter's Church in Kasson for the support they gave the family through this difficult time.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 29, at St. Peter's Church in Kasson. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with service commencing at 11 a.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 101 1st St NE, Kasson, MN 55944, and to St. James Episcopal Church, 204 Lee St, Leesburg, FL 24748.