November 05, 1958 – December 26, 2025
Kathleen (Kathy) Susan (Maroney) Austreng passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025 at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, Florida in the loving presence of her husband, Don.
Kathy was born on November 5, 1958 to the late Robert and Nancy Maroney in St. Cloud, MN. Kathy grew up in Sauk Rapids, MN and graduated in 1977. After graduation, she moved to Denver, Colorado. Although she loved the mountains, she missed family and moved back to Minnesota where she attended St. Cloud State University.
In 1987 she was blessed to give birth to her son, Michael Robert Maroney. Michael was always the greatest joy of Kathy’s life and her biggest blessing.
On May 7, 2005 Kathy married the love of her life, Don Austreng. They shared a beautiful life together from that day forward and were married for 20 years.
Kathy’s career was spent in sales and she loved what she did. She started with Chader Business Equipment, moved to Pueringer Multifoods and finished her career with Quality Wine and Spirits. Sadly, Kathy’s career was cut short when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. Life at that point was composed of many doctor and clinic visits.
Kathy was involved with The Crusade Choir through First Presbyterian Church in St. Cloud for 13 years. Her other involvement included being a member of PEO (a philanthropic women’s group) for over 30 years, and a member of Inspire (an international Stage 4 Cancer support group) where she counselled newly diagnosed advanced cancer patients.
Kathy’s greatest joys in life were her husband, Don, her son, Mike, her daughter-in-law, Jenny and her two incredible grandsons, Gavin and Walker Maroney. She also had a stepson, Jeff Austreng and step- grandson, Josh. Kathy’s niece, Aimee Hein and nephew, Jack Hein held a special place in her heart as did her sister, Barb and Brother-in-law Tom Hein. Barb and Tom were always there for Kathy and Don throughout their journey with Kathy’s cancer.
Kathy’s sister, Kim Long and her two children, Matthew and Megan live in Florida and that has been wonderful to have family near after Kathy and Don moved to The Villages, Florida.
The family extends a special thank you to the wonderful medical professionals who worked with Kathy over the years: Dr. Jurgens, Melissa and Jen Payment at Coborn’s Cancer Center in St. Cloud. Dr. Reyes, Miss Mary Ellen, Miss Kate, Miss Laura, Miss Betsy and everyone at Florida Cancer Center in The Villages. Kathy truly felt like they were a second family. Kathy wanted to thank them for their love and support, it meant so much to her.
Kathy will be missed, but the light she shared during her time on Earth will continue to shine through all of those who loved her.
