Obituary: Katherine Conrad Kersten

February 3, 1941 – May 31, 2026 
Peacefully entered into the fullness of Eternal Life on May 31, 2026, at the age of 85. Beloved wife of the late Edmund Campion “Camp” Kersten. Loving mother of Juliet (David Rusch) Kersten, Paul Kersten, and Jennifer (Michael) Maas. Proud grandmother of Dakota Kersten; and Max, Charlie, and Benjamin Rusch. Cherished sister of Beatrice “Betsy” Conrad Heberer, Jana Conrad Kosco, Terry Montagne, Christine Conrad, the late Judy Conrad DeRyan, the late Molly Conrad Doyle, the late Nicholas Conrad, the late Francesco “Cecco” Conrad, and the late Kersten Anne Conrad. Further survived by many nieces and nephews, other loving relatives, and dear friends.

In 1982 Katherine joined the Vail Valley Foundation as a managing director of the Bolshoi Academy in Vail, CO where she created and produced the International Evenings of Dance as part of the summer annual Vail Dance Festival. The International Evenings of Dance became world-renowned for showcasing the best talent in ballet and other forms of dance – all identified by Katherine as she traveled the globe to the most prestigious ballet companies. Many of today’s greatest names in dance started their careers at the festival in Vail. In the words of Marian Horosko, New York correspondent for Dancer and Ballet Review “Katherine presented more artists and productions than a theater-goer in a major city would see in a year”. The Vail International Dance Festival continues to wow audiences every summer.

Family will greet friends on Friday, June 19, from 10:00AM to 11:45AM, at St. Monica Catholic Church, 5681 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay, WI 53217. Family eulogies will take place at 11:45PM, and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00PM. A reception will follow. Private family interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery. The Mass will be livestreamed.