Kathy Beaudoin

“I love you mosterestess”

Kathy Beaudoin, age 59, passed away November 14, 2022 surrounded by the love of her family. With her husband’s unwavering love and care, Kathy was able to battle cancer with grace. Her commitment and kindness to those she loved will live long in the hearts of her family.

Kathy was born February 26, 1963 to Karolyn and Donald (Red) Koppinger in Rochester, MN.  Kathy was known in the family to be the best athlete, have the highest IQ, the best nose, and best chef with the most secret recipes.

Family was Kathy's most favorite thing in the whole world. Growing up with her 3 sisters and 1 brother on a farm in Dickinson, she had a wonderful childhood running from horses and bees, playing basketball (her motto: winning is fun), jumping from the barn roofs into huge snowbanks.  Although Kathy was the quiet, calm Koppinger, her joy was infectious and her competitiveness legendary.

Kathy married the love of her life, Michael Beaudoin, August 31, 1989.  Together they raised 2 beautiful, kind children, Brandon Beaudoin & Chivas (Beaudoin) Rood. Being a mom and wife was her passion until she became a grandma. She was always a fun mom, participating wholeheartedly in everything from making rocket ships for school projects to agonizingly “watching” golf, to creating the most beautiful snow sculptures and birthday cakes. With Kathy’s guidance and love her children have grown to be compassionate, loving parents.

Nineteen years of Kathy’s life she worked passionately for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation. Kathy put energy and care into every aspect of the Foundation, from managing the hotel to washing the dishes. Her husband, Mike, joined her in 2008 and this partnership created a legacy to be proud of. While living and working in Medora, Kathy’s beautiful soul touched many lives from around the world.

Everyone who knew Kathy knew her greatest joy in her life are her grandchildren. From the day her oldest grandchild was born, and all the ones after, they became “her babies.” Anyone who talked to her would hear about the latest thing her babies did, or said, or thought. From making traps and obstacle courses, to having nerf gun fights and sword fights, dressing up in beautiful jewelry, she brought so much love to their lives, and “nobody loves them like she does.”

Kathy is survived by her mother Karolyn Koppinger, husband Mike Beaudoin, son Brandon (Laura) Beaudoin, grandchildren Britta and Xander Beaudoin, daughter Chivas (Clint) Rood, grandchildren Bennett, Abel, and Kaliah Rood, brother Kelly (Judy) Koppinger, sisters Kolleen (Darrell) Koppinger, Kari (Jim) Jahner, and Kody Braunberger (Brad), and nieces and nephews near and dear to her heart.  Kathy is preceded in death by her father, Donald Koppinger.

A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Sanford and CHI St. Alexius for her care.

The family suggests memorials to the Bismarck Cancer Center or a charity of your choice.

A private family service will be held at a later date.