Kathleen Mary (Haechrel) Hadley

Kathleen “Kathy” M. Hadley went to be with the Lord on March 19, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born December 8, 1944, in Springfield, MN to Agnes and Richard Haechrel, Kathy was the oldest of 13. Many stories were shared of a bustling household with too many kids sharing one bathroom, where patience, laughter, and lifelong bonds were formed.

In 1963, Kathy met her to-be husband, Gary L. Hadley, at a friend’s party. She originally ignored his interest in her and even responded to him asking her out on a date with, “I don’t like you.” And yet in 1965, they married and remained steadfast companions for the next 60 years.

Kathy and Gary welcomed their only child, Brian, in 1971, and from then on, Kathy’s focus was on raising her “babe,” or “the kid.” With Gary traveling most weeks, they formed an incredible bond, and she passed on her love of cooking, caring for a home, and the importance of family traditions.

A lifelong learner, Kathy felt that if Brian was going to college, she should too. She earned her AA degree from Normandale Community College, where she made lifelong friends with her “Normies,” and later completed her bachelor’s degree in Spanish at St. Catherine’s University.

In 2010, Kathy earned her most cherished title—Grandmother, or “Mimi” to Jackson, Jonah, and Samuel. She instilled in them wonderful traditions of baking Christmas cookies, attending shows or holiday events she lovingly called “Christmas Culture,” and giving back through their annual donation of hundreds of stuffed animals to Toys for Tots. Her favorite place to be was on the floor playing with her grandsons.

Throughout her life, Kathy was an avid (and very talented) golfer, a master gardener, and someone who deeply cherished time with family, creating meaningful traditions and memories that will live on for generations.

The family is forever grateful for the kindness and compassion of the caregivers at Stacy Jensen Home Health Care, affectionately known as Kathy’s “care-babes,” who lovingly cared for her in the last years of her life.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Gary, her beloved son Brian, daughter-in-law Samarah and her three grandsons Jackson, Jonah and Samuel Hadley. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert (Sandra) Haechrel, JoAnne Hall, Annette Huth, Charlotte (Patrick) Schneider, Teresa Morton, Virginia Waldriff, Paul (Denise) Haechrel, Myron (Denise) Haechrel, and David Haechrel, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Agnes Haechrel; her sister, Carolyn Hassinger; her brother, Loren Haechrel; and an infant brother, Michael.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Abana Foundation (Worthington, MN)  or Struthers Parkinson's Center.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held Thursday, June 18, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, 155 County Rd 24, Wayzata. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. A reception will follow at Wayzata Country Club, where family and friends are invited to gather and share memories.