Kathleen Curlee

Kathleen Louise “Kate” Curlee (née Brunnemer) passed away on October 19, 2025, in Billings, Montana, at the age of 77. Born on March 8, 1948, in New York City, New York, Kathleen lived a life marked by creativity, resilience, and a deep-rooted faith.

Raised in a home that blended Swedish and Italian Baptist traditions, Kathy grew up with the Word of God in her heart. She attended many Billy Graham services with her father, who served as an usher at those events. Music was also a meaningful part of her spiritual life—years later, she would sing alongside her sister at a reunion held in Carnegie Hall.

Kathy graduated from Herricks High School on Long Island, New York. Though she was offered admission to Cornell University, she chose instead to attend Denver University. It was during this chapter of her life that she met Hewitt Curlee of Nebraska. After their marriage, the couple considered settling in Grand Junction, Colorado, but ultimately decided to make their home in Montana.

In Montana, Kathy and Curlee purchased 40 acres of land that included a one-room cabin. With determination and vision, they designed and built a three-story home complete with balconies and a garage. They added a chicken coop, pig pen, and cultivated an expansive garden. Kathy worked at Arby’s in Billings and commuted 20 miles each day to return to the home they had lovingly created. Their life together was filled with road trips as Curlee worked as an insurance adjuster.

After Curlee’s passing, Kathy moved into Billings where she began dating Mike Siemion. Mike asked Kathy to design blueprints for a house he planned to build. She poured her heart into the project, and after Mike’s death, the home sold for a high price—a testament to her thoughtful design.

Kathy later became involved with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She found joy in helping women feel beautiful and confident through her work with the company.

Kathleen is survived by her sister Judy and brother-in-law Jim, as well as her brother Fred. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Mable Brunnemer. She is also survived by Kurt and Elyse Brunnemer, David and Shannon Carlson, and Fred and Regina Carlson. And great nieces and nephews: Valerie, Meghan, Kevin, Vickie, Connor, Kyra, Andrew, Gavin, and Colin.

Kathy often reflected on how she wished she had attended Farmingdale Agricultural Institute—an indication of her enduring love for the land and rural life. Her journey from New York City to the wide-open spaces of Montana was one of transformation, faith, and quiet strength.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew her.