Katherine Ann Beesch

May 16, 2022

MENDOTA HEIGHTS — Katherine Ann Beesch, 40, passed away May 16, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, after enduring every treatment available for her cancer. A celebration of life will take place at a future date.

Kate was born in Greenville, North Carolina on May 2, 1982, to Karl and Ruth Beesch. She graduated from Marshall Senior High School in 2000 and from the College of Saint Benedict in 2004, with a degree in Psychology, minoring in Spanish. After spending a short time working in Minnesota, she followed her dream and moved to New York City where she received her master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from NYU. She went on to teach in the Bronx for five years. While teaching, she worked on her Master’s in Education Administration and Supervision at Hunter College.

Kate returned home to Minnesota and obtained an Education Administration K-12 Principals Certificate from Saint Mary’s University. She became Assistant Principal at Anderson United Middle School. After her diagnosis, she moved into a position with the MN Department of Education, where she left an indelible mark on the face of education in Minnesota, working tirelessly to eradicate gaps in education by managing federal grants on behalf of Minnesota schools and students.

Kate and Timothy Dale were married in 2016 and made their lives together in Minneapolis for several years before buying their dream home this past fall in Mendota Heights. In July of 2021, Kate and Tim welcomed their son Rexford. He was the blessing they prayed for, and Kate relished every precious moment spent with him.

Kate was passionate about teaching, education, and public schools, always pushing those around her to advocate for themselves and their children in every aspect of life. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and loved being with her many nieces and nephews, especially during time at the family cabin. She loved spending time outdoors, traveling, swimming, and always enjoyed an evening with sparklers and fireworks!

She is survived by her husband and son, Tim and Rex Dale (Mendota Heights, MN); parents Karl and Ruth Beesch; siblings Adam (Jenni) Beesch of Bloomington, MN; Beth (Matt) Misson of Bloomington, MN; Kirsten (Nate) Karnitz of Saint Anthony Village, MN and Erica (A. Jay) Myhre of La Crescent, MN; nephews William, Finley, Jack, Luke, Grant, James, Maxwell, Henrick, most beloved nieces Mara and Alexandra (Gigi). Father-in-law Ernie Dale of Cannon Falls, MN, Mother-in-law Julie Dale (John) of Mankato, MN and Brother-in-law Matt Dale (Emily) of Prior Lake, MN. Many family and friends from coast to coast.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Samuel Beesch, Katherine Beesch Skarin, Richard Skarin, Clarence and Marie Guggisberg; uncles Joe, Steve and Jerry Guggisberg and Fred Hertzberg.

Kate asked, in her memory and in lieu of flowers, to get regular cancer screenings. If you wish to donate, she asked donations to be made to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, which provided her with great support.