Catherine A. Schoon

Catherine “Cathy” Ann Schoon, 72, was peacefully released from cancer January 5^th, 2023 at her home in Alberton, Montana with her daughter by her side.

Cathy was born in Hibbing, MN and attended Hibbing High School. She was always drawn to water and loved Lake Vermilion; her dad built a home in Wakemup Narrows. She married fellow lake-lover Jerry Schoon in 1976 and they spent 25 years caretaking Granelda and playing on the lake. They then moved on to manage a fly-in fishing lodge in Ontario.

Incredibly caring and empathetic, she often spent her free time thinking of those less fortunate including recording books for the blind or helping victims of assault. Her favorite memories were those of Aspen, Colorado in the mid 70’s and those of Lake Vermilion; whitefish netting in the fall, canoeing on a quiet summer evening or skiing across the ice under the stars. In her retired years she was an integral part of her grandson’s life for 8 years; he will always carry a piece of her in his heart.

Cathy is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Rebecca (Justin) Spring, grandson Gage, many wonderful cousins, in-laws and friends from the Lake.

She rejoins her husband and soul mate Jerry; her beloved parents Toivo and Olivia (Sandberg) Ranta; and her brother Gary Ranta, to whom she looked up to dearly. And don’t forget all dogs go to heaven, surely her best golden retriever buddy Goldie is there waiting for a cheeseburger.

We invite you to support your local library in her honor; she was a great lover of books and knowledge.