Nancy Kava

Nancy Kava, age 85, of Barnesville, MN, died on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Valley Care and Rehab in Barnesville, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the Mass on Wednesday.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Todd Arends presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Barnesville.

Nancy Lee Ann Lynch, born on June 27, 1940, in Barnesville, to George and Mabel (Farrell) Lynch. She attended Assumption Catholic School through the 8th grade and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1959.

On October 14, 1960, Nancy married Edward “Duke” Joseph Kava at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville, MN. Together, they created a warm and nurturing home for their seven children. After living in Barnesville, the family moved to a farm in Wilkin County in 1971. Duke worked on the road for several months at a time so Nancy was busy raising seven children, taking care of chickens, cows, pigs, and raising enormous gardens. In 2013, they returned to Barnesville, where Nancy continued to be a vital part of her community.

Deeply involved in Assumption Catholic Church, Nancy contributed her time and efforts to several groups, including the Foresters, St. Elizabeth’s Circle, and supporting Assumption School. Her commitment to youth development was evident in her support of the Campfire Girls and 4-H, as well as her involvement with the American Legion Auxiliary, the VFW Auxiliary, and the retired teacher’s group. During her children’s older years, Nancy also created connections through her work selling Avon.

Nancy and Duke cherished their time spent at Cross Point Resort near Pelican Rapids, MN. In her leisure, Nancy engaged in many activities, enjoying reading, crosswords, knitting, crocheting, and quilting.

In 1978, Nancy began her journey in education when she took on the role of a substitute teacher’s aide, which blossomed into a fulfilling career as a full-time 5th-grade aide starting in 1980. She dedicated 25 years to Atkinson Elementary in Barnesville before retiring, and during summer breaks, she worked at the Willow Creek Golf Course.

Nancy's legacy of devoted service, unwavering love for her family, and active community involvement will be fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Nancy is survived by her children, Ruth (Todd) Affield, Karen (Jesse) Norman, Edward (Mary) Kava, Paula Kava, Rob (Stephanie) Kava; daughter in law, Connie Kava; bonus daughter, Carla (Larry) Hunt; sisters in law, Patricia Lynch and Janice Ellison; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duke; her parents; two sons, Chuck and Mark; sister, Ruth Lynch; and brother, Tom Lynch.