Kathleen J Sorenson

Kathleen Jane “Kathy” Sorenson-Rathbun was born November 29, 1938, in Laporte, IN and passed away October 24, 2026. She was the daughter of Llewellyn and Eunice Sorenson of Beloit, Wisconsin, both of whom preceded her in death.

Kathy was first married to Ronald Klimko of Oshkosh, WI, for 20 years, and later to Ronald Rathbun of Moscow, ID for another 20 years. Both husbands preceded her in death, as did her two brothers, Lew Sorenson of Dummerston, VT and Bert Sorenson of Madison, WI.

She is survived by her four children, Nick (Let), Chris (Angie), Julie (Scott), and Ben Klimko—all of whom live in the Pacific Northwest—and sister-in-law, Gail Sorenson, nieces Stacy and Rebecca Sorenson, nephews Scott and Curt Sorenson. Kathy had many grandchildren who were especially close and rarely missed a holiday with her; Brandi Johnson, Tarin Adair, Rory Klimko, Ty Merrill, Dorian Klimko-Hix, Rawley Larkin, Sky Klimko, Ronnie Klimko, and Ella Klimko. Kathy was also blessed with an equally long list of great grandchildren, among them Olivia and Everett Johnson (Brandi & Steve), Braxton Fisher, Vanessa Merrill-Klimko, Conner Merrill, and Paislyn Merril (Ty & Kelsey).

Kathy worked for most of her adult life as a librarian in the University of Idaho Law School library, retiring in the early 2000s. She was well known in the area as an avid quilter of unmatched expertise who won countless blue ribbons and many grand master awards at the Latah County Fair. She was also a dedicated gardener who could coax the best possible growth out of any plant or tree, regardless of its suitability to the climate; her orchid collection was the envy of all who saw it. Together with Ron Rathbun she was a pivotal part of the Palouse Promenaders square-dancing group, where for decades they not only participated in weekly sessions but also served as dance callers. An animal lover through and through, Kathy was never without an entourage of dogs or cats that accompanied her wherever she went.

A service will be held for Kathy on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Short’s Funeral Chapel in Moscow, immediately followed by a procession to the Moscow Cemetery, after which there will be a celebration of life reception at the Best Western Inn at 1516 W Pullman Rd, Moscow, ID 83843.

Those who wish to make a contribution in Kathy’s memory may do so to causes that were near and dear to her, including the Humane Society of the Palouse in Moscow and Northwest Public Radio, based at Washington State University in Pullman.