Kathy L. Bull

Kathy was born on March 9, 1960, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Richard L. and Helen E. (Conklin) Bull. She was a 1978 graduate of Waukesha South High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture in 1983 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In 1986, Kathy married Matt Hirvonen in Madison, WI. Kathy worked for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities as a lobbyist and assistant director until her retirement. She and Matt were able to enjoy early retirement and re-located to Marquette, MI in 2001.

Kathy lived with gentle and steady confidence. She led by example, focusing on what was most important to her: family, friends, animals, art, and nature.

She had a deep love for horses and riding, especially dressage. She loved her riding community. Throughout life she ventured into many sports including curling in high school and later at the Arlington Curling Club in central Wisconsin. She and her husband played co-ed hockey, and she played shortstop in the Capital Womens fast-pitch softball League. She loved spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, skiing, and skating.

Kathy enjoyed painting, and using primarily pastels incorporated her love of her surroundings into her art. She was a member of the Lake Superior Arts Association and the Bonifas Art Center. Her artwork was exhibited at local gallery shows at the Deo Gallery at Peter White Public Library, DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University and the Bonifas Art Center in Escanaba. Kathy also loved knitting.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Matt Hirvonen; her sister, Kristin (Bruce) Bull Lyon; her brother-in-law, Mark (Kathy) Hirvonen; her sister-in-law, Linda (Michael) Hirvonen; and her nephews, Skylar, Henry, Corey, Parker, Kyle, and Erik. She is also survived by her beloved horse, Wiljo; her cat, Purrl; and her dog, Susi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Helen Bull, and her in-laws, Ray and Peg Hirvonen.

Per Kathy’s wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Kathy’s name to Sally’s Fund c/o UPAWS, 815 S. M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841, or to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Kathy’s family, where memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.