Cathie Jo Spaulding, age 66, of Faribault, Minnesota, passed away on September 29, 2026.
Cathie was born on February 26, 1960, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to Milburn “Red” and Marlys Jackson. She grew up in Dundas, Minnesota, alongside her two older sisters, Sue and Linda.
But Cathie’s family extended well beyond the walls of her home. She was fortunate to be part of the “Dundas Crew,” a close-knit group of friends who formed a special bond in their younger years—one that stood the test of time and remained a treasured part of her life. What began as childhood friendship grew into a lifelong family, held together through the years by countless memories, laughter, and a connection that never faded.
Cathie married Richard Tussing, and together they shared 20 years of marriage and raised their two children, Whitney and Andrew. Although their lives eventually took them in different directions, their years together gave Cathie what would always be one of the greatest joys of her life—the gift of being a mother.
Later in life, Cathie found love again and married Thomas Spaulding. They shared their lives together until Thomas’s passing in 2010.
Cathie dedicated more than 30 years to working for the State of Minnesota. She began her career as a Human Services Technician at the state hospital in Faribault and continued her work with the state through its transition to the correctional system and later in community group home settings. Caring for others came naturally to Cathie, and it was a quality that extended far beyond her career. Whether she was caring for her children and family or showing up for a friend who needed her, Cathie could always be counted on to lend a hand and be there when it mattered most.
Cathie had a generous heart and believed in helping others whenever she could. She volunteered her time delivering Meals on Wheels to older members of her community and was a faithful monthly supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her generosity was simply part of who she was. If someone needed help, Cathie was the kind of person who wanted to do something about it.
As much as Cathie worked and cared for others, she also knew how to enjoy life. She loved traveling and taking vacations with her family and friends—and anyone who knew Cathie knew there would be plenty of pictures to prove it! She treasured those adventures, the people she shared them with, and all the memories made along the way.
When she wasn’t traveling, Cathie was perfectly happy settling in for a good thriller, an old Western, or just about any Netflix series that caught her attention.
Cathie was someone you could laugh with, have a good time with, and spend hours sharing stories and memories. She cared deeply about the people in her life and was never afraid to speak her mind. If Cathie didn’t agree with you, chances are you knew it—and those who knew and loved her wouldn’t have expected anything less. She was caring and generous, fun and strong-willed, honest and loyal, and always unmistakably herself.
Of all the roles Cathie held throughout her life, being a grandmother was among those she treasured most. Her six grandchildren were truly the light of her life. After being blessed with five granddaughters, she was delighted to finally welcome a grandson into the family.
Cathie made it a priority to be present in her grandchildren’s lives, for both the important milestones and the ordinary moments that often become the most treasured memories. She was there to babysit when needed, cheer them on at sporting events, attend orchestra concerts, and enjoy an occasional movie and dinner together.
More than anything, Cathie gave her grandchildren her time, attention, and love. She was someone they knew they could talk to about anything—someone who would listen, offer advice when they needed it, and always remind them how deeply they were loved. The time she spent with her grandchildren brought Cathie tremendous joy, and the memories they made together will forever be a special part of the legacy she leaves behind.
Cathie leaves behind a family who loved her dearly and will forever cherish the memories they shared with her. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Whitney (Brian) Bengen and Andrew (Abbey) Tussing; her six grandchildren, Muriel Bengen, Sophia Bengen, Sloane Tussing, Emery Tussing, Charlotte Bengen, and Case Tussing; her sister, Linda (Robin) Gillian; her niece, Holly Hubers; her mother-in-law, Sandy (Gordy) Boyle; her sister-in-law, Ramona Eads, and her children, Shane, Alex, and Kassidy; as well as many other relatives, friends, and loved ones who held a special place in her heart.
Cathie was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Spaulding; her parents, Milburn “Red” and Marlys Jackson; her sister, Sue McCallister; and other cherished family members and friends who passed before her.
Our lives will never be quite the same without Cathie, but her presence will remain with us—in the traditions she began, the stories we continue to tell, the way we care for one another, and, most of all, in the laughter and memories she gave us.
Cathie leaves behind a lifetime of love and a family forever changed by having had her in their lives. She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.
Memorial services will be held at Boldt Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Faribault, on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Private interment will take place at Pine Island Cemetery, Pine Island.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in Cathie’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charity that was especially close to her heart.
In honor of Cathie, her family encourages those who knew and loved her to share their favorite stories and memories of her, to laugh together, and to remember the many ways she touched their lives. In doing so, her stories will continue to be told, her laughter will continue to be remembered, and a little piece of Cathie will always remain with us.
