Kathleen M. Bianchi

Obituary

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Bianchi was born on December 21, 1948, in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. She was the daughter of Leo and Regina (Ecker) Jandl. Kathleen was baptized as an infant and was confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax. She received her education in Fairfax and was a graduate of the Fairfax High School Class of 1966.

On December 27, 1968, Kathy was united in marriage to Clellan Weldy and although the marriage ended, together they raised six children.

On February 14, 1996, Kathy was united in marriage to Hilary Bianchi. After their marriage, the couple resided in Lafayette, Minnesota. Kathy and Hilary shared almost 26 years of marriage. 

Kathy ran the Senior Citizen Center (Meals on Wheels) and incorporated her unique sense of fun with themed lunches and bingo parties.  She later worked as a CNA and activities aid at the Franklin and Fairfax Community Homes.

Kathy was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Fairfax, where she worked on the cookbook committee, and volunteered for playground duty at the school.  She was also a member of the Jaycee Women's Organization. She volunteered with MCCL and was a Boy Scout leader.

Kathy enjoyed cryptoquote puzzles, crocheting, and playing solitaire. She cherished the time she spent with her family, especially her children, grandchildren and her great granddaughter.  She was known for her delicious caramels, cake cones, and having her children deliver holiday cookie trays.  Each May, May Baskets would appear around the neighborhood and her children were often sent to visit with senior members of the community.  She loved children and delighted in creating unique experiences for her own and their friends with birthday treasure hunts, organizing neighborhood games like hide & seek, moonlight starlight, and Anny, Anny Over!  With six kids, she had a built in welcome wagon, and enjoyed greeting new families to the community, making cookies and hot chocolate after sledding and skating, and hosting friends for coffee and card parties.      

When she needed assistance with her daily care, Kathy became a resident of the Fairfax Community Home until it closed and then the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm. She passed away at Oak Hills Living Center on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at the age of 73 years. Blessed be her memory.

Kathy is survived by her:
Husband,              Hilary Bianchi of Lafayette, MN;
Children,                Julie Ferrell and her husband, Jeff of New Ulm, MN,
                                David Weldy and his wife, Linda of New Ulm, MN,
                                Virginia “Gina” Wade and her husband, Michael of Karlstad, MN,
                                Joseph Weldy and special friend, Missy Williams of New Ulm, MN, and
                                Mary Weldy of Fairfax, MN;
Grandchildren, Jennifer Ferrell, Josephine Wade, Kerri Weldy, Aaron D’Allesandro, Grace Weldy;
Great granddaughter, Cienna D’Allesandro;
Bonus Granddaughter, Jessica DeRousse and her children, Faye and Isabella;
Step daughter, Peggy Forstner and her husband, Robert;
Step grandchildren, Savannah and Lincoln Messner and John Forstner;
Step great grandchildren, Ivy and Evie Messner;
Sister, Virginia “Ginger” Rogness and her husband, Gary of Rochester, MN;
Brother, George Jandl and his wife, Joan of Eden Prairie, MN;
Brothers-in-law, James Sadler of Rochester, MN, and Walt Marketon of Howard Lake, MN;
Hilly's extended Beranek Family and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Kathy was preceded in death by her Parents, Leo and Regina Jandl; Son, John Weldy, Sisters, Rosemary Sadler, Jacqueline Marketon and Jean Jandl in infancy; Brother, Jerome Jandl; Nieces, Anita Sadler and Maria Sadler in infancy; Nephew, Ryan Rogness.