Katharine G. Bjorndal

KATHARINE G. BJORNDAL

Iowa City

Katharine G. Bjorndal, 88, of Austin, Minn., formerly of Iowa City, Iowa, died peacefully on Thursday, March 8, 2018. A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City. A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, March 16, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics or the American Diabetes Association.

Katharine was born on Nov. 27, 1929, in Southwest Harbor, Maine, the daughter of Peter T. and G. Katharine (Gatcomb) Benson. She graduated in 1949 from the Katharine Gibbs School in Boston. Katharine was united in marriage to Arne M. Bjorndal on Jan. 12, 1952, in Oslo, Norway; he preceded her in death on Nov. 4, 2012. She was an administrative assistant for the vice president for Educational Development and Research and dean of the graduate college for 25 years before retiring in 1988. Katharine was a member of the Visiting Nurse Association and the University Athletic Club boards. She also served on committees for the University of Iowa Foundation and First National Bank. Katharine enjoyed travel, golf, bowling, gambling and her terrific grandchildren.

Katharine is survived by her three children, Katharine (William) Mead, Kari (Henry) Bullamore and Lee (Judith) Bjorndal; five grandchildren; and two siblings, Peter Benson and David (Anne) Benson of Southwest Harbor, Maine.

Katharine was preceded in death by her husband, Arne; parents; and three siblings, William Benson, Francis Bachman and Margery Emmott.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.