Catherine Barnett

Mar 1, 1965 -

Jul 30, 2026

Catherine "Kate" Marina Barnett was born on March 1, 1965, in Eveleth, Minn., to Robert and Darlene Lorentz. After living a life full of curiosity, laughter, adventure and love, she passed away on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved her most. After graduating from Cotton High School in 1983, she attended Brown Institute in Minneapolis with a degree in radio and television broadcasting. Kate landed her first "grown-up" job as a DJ at WEVE radio station in Eveleth, Minn. From there, life carried her to Willmar, Minn., where she graduated from Willmar Community College and then Ridgewater College for legal secretary. She spent countless happy days on Green Lake in Spicer and became active in the Jaycees. She soon moved to Minneapolis, where she began working at a law firm as a legal secretary. Through hard work, determination and the ability to keep things running smoothly, she eventually worked her way up to manager. The greatest plot twist in Kate's story came courtesy of a high school reunion, where she reconnected with her friend, Garry Barnett. That reunion turned into forever. The two were married in 2006, during a small lakeside ceremony at Kate's beloved family cabin in Britt, Minn. Kate, Garry and their mischievous Labrador, Rocky, packed up for Alaska, where they built a wonderful life together in Chugiak for 17 years before building their retirement dream home in Big Lake, Alaska. Kate remained deeply connected to her Minnesota family, flying home for visits, while everyone quietly tried to claim as much of her time as possible. Family also made the trip north to Alaska, giving them the chance to see the beautiful life she and Garry created there and to understand why she loved it so much. She was employed in the oil industry with BP Alaska in Anchorage and while there she graduated from Alaska Pacific University with a Bachelor of Arts in business administration. After her retirement from BP she joined the wonderful team at Crowley Fuels Alaska. She left Crowley soon after she received the diagnosis for metastatic breast cancer, spending time traveling with friends to Hawaii, Mexico and visiting family and friends. Kate will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her willingness to reinvent herself, her quiet determination and the love she poured into the people who are fortunate enough to know her. She reminded us that life is not about doing everything perfectly, it is about collecting stories and making the most of the time we're given.

Kate is survived by her best friend and husband, Garry; lab, Charlie; and siblings, Doug (Debbie), Mark, William (Amy), Trayce and Jessica. Kate was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Darlene Lorentz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Willmar, on Aug. 28, 2026, at 11 a.m., and Interment at Fort Richardson National Cemetery, Alaska.