Kathleen E. Rugland

Kathleen Ellen Rugland, 75, of Menomonie, WI passed away peacefully with family present on May 17, 2026 after recently receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Born on March 23, 1951 in St. Paul MN to Donald and Phyllis Shanahan, Kathi spent her early childhood in St. Paul before moving to Roseau, MN where she graduated from high school. She then attended UND, making amazing lifelong friends through the years.

Kathi’s children grew up in Minnesota before the family relocated to Menomonie, WI, when she and her husband Larry had the opportunity to start a new business together that they ran until retirement.

Kathi lived a life of rich connection and adventure including skydiving, trips across the country for beach vacations, races, tennis tournaments and dog shows, and bucket list trips to Italy and Ireland. More recently those adventures involved dance recitals, tennis matches and going to favorite restaurants with friends to chat and laugh for hours. Even if she couldn’t attend physically, she loved a full update on her children and grandchildren’s adventures.

For many years she worked with foreign exchange student programs, building bridges between cultures and opening hearts and homes to young people from around the world. She took special joy in hosting students herself, creating a warm and welcoming environment that made everyone feel like family.

Kathi had a deep love for animals, particularly her beloved dogs. She cherished attending dog shows, where she enjoyed the excitement and community of fellow dog lovers. Kathi especially loved traveling and watching her granddaughter compete in the show ring. Her dogs were constant companions who brought her endless happiness and comfort.

Kathi is survived by her husband Larry; daughters Samantha (Eric) and Michelle; granddaughters Jonna (Landon), Cherish and Elodie; 6 great grandchildren; siblings Dennis (Nora) Shanahan and Mary Wolf and extended family and close friends.

Kathi is preceded in death by both her parents, parents-in-law, daughter Brynne and brother-in-law Rudy along with many furry friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with Celebrant Teresa Pejsa officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

To celebrate Kathi’s colorful personality, please join the family in wearing bright colors.

To share a memory, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com