Kathy A. Demers

Kathy Demers, age 57, passed away at her home in Oakwood ND on Dec 2, 2025.

Kathy Ann Johnson was born Feb 4, 1968 in Grafton. (2-4-6-8, a date ingrained in our minds)

She grew up on the east side of Grafton and graduated from GHS in 1986. She then attended Mayville State University where she majored in Education. From there, she began working in Grafton Public Schools, which turned out to be a 32 year career as a treasured Paraprofessional.

In 1996, Kathy Married Gene Demers and they made their home in Oakwood with their beloved Black Labs, first Skooter and then Lucy.

Kathy loved fishing at Mylie’s place in Ontario with Gene and their “fishing family”. She was an avid sports fan. Playing softball, volleyball, basketball and bowling in her younger days and always cheering on the Spoilers, Vikings, Twins and whichever team her nephews and nieces were playing for, wearing the appropriate jersey and often holding a clever, handmade sign, hoping to get on TV.

During her years as a Paraprofessional, Kathy impacted and positively influenced thousands of students. She also created strong bonds and life long friendships with her coworkers. She loved themed dress up days and brought smiles to the faces of both kids and adults when she donned her Grinch costume, both at school and around the community. She was a spreader of joy.

When she wasn’t at school, she could be found painting with Jackie Lee Painting or working a shift at family owned JRs Bar in Oakwood. Kathy was a friend to all. A genuine, kind, caring, generous soul who always put others ahead of herself. She will be remembered for her kindness, her smile and laughter, sense of humor, her silly side, love of pranks and her fierce loyalty to those she loved.

Kathy is survived by her husband Gene, Sister Dee Villanueva and Brother-in law, Pete Villanueva, Mother Mary Johnson, Brother and Sister-in-law Guy and Susie Demers, sisters and brothers-in-law Cheri Dvorak, Janet & Len Wysocki, Leanne & Greg Campbell, Father-in-law Donald Demers, Aunts and Uncles, Edna and Leroy Anderson, Phyllis and Jack Burns and Joanne West, “Sister-Friends”, Jackie Lee and Ann Kohler, hundreds of friends, many cousins, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own. She was preceded in death by her “Papa” Richard Osowski, Mother-in-Law Alice Demers, biological father Marvin Johnson, beloved nephew Chad Demers, cousins Angie and Sean Burns and several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at Grafton Lutheran Church on Monday, Dec. 8 at 11am with visitation from 9-11am. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Angel of Hope, Lutheran Sunset Home or Grafton Public Schools. Please carry on Kathy’s legacy with random acts of kindness. Don’t just be kind, be KATHY KIND.

The service will be live streamed on the Tollefson Funeral Home Website.

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.