Kathleen L. (Bienusa) Pietz

PROCTOR -- Kathleen Louise (Bienusa) Pietz, 41, Proctor, died Monday, April 21, 2003, of cancer at her parents' home in Staples.

She was born in Anoka to Roger and Sharon (Wing) Bienusa. She graduated from Staples High School in 1980 where she enjoyed volleyball and softball. In 1982, she graduated from the Wadena Vo-Tech in cosmetology. She was employed at the Powder Puff Salon in Staples and the Hair Hut in Motley. She worked for a number of years as a waitress. She married August H. Pietz in 1987. They were divorced in 1996. She was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad as a switchman/brakeman in 1989. She was promoted to conductor in 1991. She moved to Duluth in 1994 being promoted to locomotive engineer in 1995. She was a member of the UTU, Local 1175. She worked in the health care industry after 1998. She worked with physically and mentally challenged adults for Duluth Regional Care Center. In 2000 she joined the North Shore Scenic Railroad as a volunteer. She moved to Proctor in 2000. She was involved with the Proctor Winter Carnival. She was a member of Women of the Moose Proctor Chapter 1302.

Survivors include a son, Staples; a daughter, Proctor; her parents; six sisters, Colleen Marsh, Blackhawk, S.D., Gloria Luebke, Monticello, Linda Ness, Beverly Anderson and Heather Bienusa, all of Staples, and Jelene Bienusa, Shakopee; five brothers, George, St. Cloud, Patrick and A.J., Staples, Roger, Appleton, and Ronald, Big Lake.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples with Father Peter Kirchner officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples with parish prayers at 7 p.m. and rosary at 7:15 p.m.