Kathleen Mccroskey

Kathleen Williams McCroskey died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on August 5, 2015 at Essentia Hospital.

She was born to James F. Williams and Gladys Forsness Williams September 25, 1939 in Moorhead, MN. The family moved to Fargo in 1947 and Kathy attended St. Anthony’s Elementary School.

She graduated from Shanley High School in 1957, and continued her education at North Dakota State University and Moorhead State University.

In October of 1963 Kathleen bid an emotional farewell to her family in Fargo and travelled to New Jersey to join her fiancé Bud McCroskey who was teaching in South River, NJ. Bud and Kathy were married on October 13, 1963 in Corpus Christi Catholic Church in South River.

In 1964, Kathy and Bud moved to New York City and lived at 5 East 94th Street which overlooked Central Park in Manhattan. While in NYC, Kathleen worked in the Advertising Department of the Chase Manhattan Bank.

She truly loved her job but resigned to welcome our first son, John who was born in Manhattan on August 16, 1964.

The little family returned to Fargo where Kathleen presented us with our wonderful daughter Joanna, and our wonderful son Thomas.

Kathleen had a heart of gold, and supported such groups as Wounded Warriors, various children’s funds and animal projects, since she loved animals as well.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. She loved them endlessly, and they loved her dearly. Her children remember her as a kind, patient, and caring mother who made their home very warm and loving.

Kathy was a spectacular cook, talented artist,seamstress and gardener. She particularly loved flowers and was a wonderfully talented interior decorator for her home in Fargo and at the lake.
Kathy and Bud shared many adventures together including the New York Theater, 1964 World’s Fair in New York, travel to many exotic locales, the highlight of which was Rome and the Italian and French Riviera. Her exquisite style and elegance brought an air of distinction to any gathering anywhere in the world. Her taste was impeccable and her beauty and charm shone through in any situation or locale.

Kathleen had a quiet strength and dignity that was naturally present throughout her life.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Darrell “Bud” McCroskey; her children, John (Angie), Thomas (Chelsea) McCroskey, and Joanna (James) Narum; grandchildren, Matthew (Julie), Laura McCroskey, Alexandra Kathleen (John) Lyngstad, and Brooke Kathleen Narum; great grandchildren, Lucas McCroskey and Amalia Kathleen Lyngstad; brothers, Gregory (Denise) and Michael (Susan) Williams; brother-in-law, Jim Wold; sisters, Joan (Larry) Schuh, Jane (Larry) LaMont, all of Fargo, ND; Peggy (Doug) Antonelli, Raleigh, NC, and Deborah (Rob) Hinderliter, Franklin, TN; sister-in-law Jane Williams of Fayetville, AR and Ulen, MN, sisters-in-law, Jeanette Williams and Pat Cossette, both of Fargo, ND & Eileen (Wayne) Gruett, Carol Stream, IL; brother-in-law , Harlow (Brenda) McCroskey and 38 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James Williams; and sisters, Laura Williams and Jean Wold and brother-in-law, Michael McCroskey, Fargo.


In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Humane Society, The Salvation Army and the Fargo Public Schools Foundation. We would like to thank many of the nurses, doctors and caregivers at Essentia Hospital in Fargo for the expert and compassionate care they gave our Kathleen. She will be dearly missed.