Kathleen "Kay" Tolvay

Kathleen Tolvay, formerly of Cannon Falls, died peacefully, Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Hospice Lodge in Elko. A peaceful place, looking out at a small pond and countryside, filled with the sound of birds and ducks flying all around.

Kathleen ‘Kay’ Alice Tolvay, age 76, was born on May 30, 1942 in Red Wing, MN, the daughter of Eldridge and Doris Banks.  She grew up in Cannon Falls and was both baptized and confirmed at Vasa Lutheran Church.

Kay graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1960. As a young woman, she worked as a beautician.  While in Hawaii, Kay met Steven Tolvay, of Lorain, OH at the Prince of Peace Church in Waikiki. Steve was serving in the Air Force as a military air police officer. They were united in marriage on September 9, 1967.

Kay and Steve moved to Lorain, OH where Kay was employed as a beautician.  From there they then moved to Lake Phalen in St. Paul for a short time and then to Cannon Falls.  In 1971, Kay owned and operated Kay’s Beauty Salon, located in their house on 410 N 2 ^nd St.

After a short time in Tampa, FL, they moved back to Cannon Falls and lived on a hobby farm with twenty-four acres of farm and hunting land.

As a homemaker, running three kids in sports, she always found time for her passions. She loved working in a garden that extended the entire length of a long driveway. Kay enjoyed cooking large meals, gathering fresh eggs from the chicken coop, creating large flower beds, and entertaining family. She had a passion for quilting and the love of bird watching, especially the Cardinal.

During her retirement years, she lived with her daughter, Shannon in Eagan and enjoyed quilting on a daily basis and sitting in her swing, watching the birds fly around.

Survivors include her children Marc (Brenda) Tolvay of Rosemount, MN. Grandchildren are Mason Tolvay, Mike Puente and Kendal Palony. Shannon Tolvay of Eagan, MN. Grandchildren are Preston Pagel, Hailey Tolvay and Grayson Tolvay. Danny Tolvay of Cottage Grove, MN. Friend, (Denise Messig). Grandchildren are Trayton Tolvay, Cameron Ryder, Lilly Ann Gersemehl and Joey Messig She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 23 years, Steve Tolvay, brother Kerry Banks; sister Judy Ryan; brother Timothy Banks; sister Sylvia Banks; nephew Gene Allen Ryan; brother-in-law Eugene Ryan; sister-in-law Diantha Midness and brother-in-law August Banitt.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. Funeral Services will be Wednesday April 10, 2019 at 2:00 pm, at Ours Saviors Lutheran Church, 30370 Hardwood Way, Cannon Falls, MN  55009.  Interment will be in Vasa Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. The Tolvay family would like to make a local donation to the Cannon Valley Senior Center; a non-profit organization for promoting lifelong community involvement for senior adults.