Katherine Ann Zacher, 74, of Rushford, Minn., passed away at her home November 30, 2025, surrounded by family following a courageous 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Kathy was born in Rushford on November 29, 1951, the first child of Harold (Bud) and Dorothy (Kryzer) O’Donnell. She graduated from Rushford High School and attended Winona State. She was a dedicated employee of the city of Rushford for over 55 years, serving as city clerk/treasurer most of that time. Kathy’s co-workers were like a second family to her.
Kathy devoted every day to the betterment of Rushford, from preparing agendas for every council meeting, to running elections, to tracking economic development projects, to park improvements, like the Aquatic Center and Creekside Park, and so much more. Kathy was instrumental in helping Rushford rebuild after the 2007 flood.
When she wasn’t at city hall, Kathy enjoyed reading Stephen King novels, tending to her house plants, and spending time with family.
In June 1974 she married Jerry Zacher and they were later divorced. They had two sons, Jeremy and Ryan.
Kathy is survived by her sons Jeremy (Lisa) Zacher of Byron, Minn., and Ryan Zacher of Calais, Vt.; grandchildren Claudia, Mallory, Harrison and Kelp Zacher; mother Dorothy O’Donnell, siblings Jack (Jill) O’Donnell, Pat Georgens, Jim O’Donnell, Teresa (Dave) O’Donnell-Ebner, Mary (John Jarnagin) Neyers, Joan (Tom) Kauphusman, Nancy (George) Warnken and Christi (Tim Brand) O’Donnell, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father and brother-in-law Ken Georgens.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Rushford American Legion from 1–4 p.m., with a short program of remembrance at 2 p.m. Come and celebrate her life with family and friends. Memorials may be directed to Kathy Zacher Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 251, Rushford, MN 55971, or any Merchants Bank location. Funds will go toward Brooklyn Park improvements and the Rushford Public Library.
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