Collette Martha Conati

Collette Martha Maehren Conati, recently of Bethesda Northpoint, New London, MN (formerly of Crookston, MN), passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, at CentraCare Hospital in St. Cloud, MN, at the beautiful age of 87, surrounded by her family.

Born on June 25, 1937, in Fargo, ND, Collette was the youngest of two daughters to Nester and Evelyn (Viken) Maehren. Tragically, her mother, Evelyn, passed away shortly after childbirth on August 25, 1937. Collette’s father, Nestor, later married Kathryn (Flesch) Maehren, who became a loving stepmother to Collette. Collette spent her early years in Austin, MN, where she was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. The family later moved to Crookston, MN, where she graduated from Cathedral High School. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Charlie. Collette also enjoyed figure skating and spent her summers in Detroit Lakes, MN. There, she worked as a lifeguard and became a member of the waterski team. She also worked as a lifeguard at Lake Trails Wilderness Camp in Baudette, MN.

After high school, Collette attended Marquette University for two years, where she had memorable experiences, such as meeting Lawrence Welk’s daughters, being serenaded by Nat King Cole on her 21st birthday, and meeting Elvis Presley. Later in life, Collette completed her education with a Certificate in Ministry from Saint Catherine’s University.

On August 2, 1958, Collette married her high school sweetheart, Charles Conati. Together, they made homes in St. Louis Park, East Grand Forks, Fisher, and finally Crookston, MN, where they raised their six children. Their love, which overcame many life challenges, is a testament to their devotion, leaving behind a legacy that continues to flourish through their children and grandchildren.

Collette was an active member of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN. She played a vital role in the church’s confirmation program and helped establish the TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) and Life Teen programs within the Crookston Diocese. She was also a founding member of the Crookston Figure Skating Club and served as the University of Minnesota Crookston’s Campus Minister. Collette was known for her inspirational speeches and was a spiritual director to many. She was honored to be named an Associate Nun of the Sisters of St. Joseph, a title her husband Charlie was fond of mentioning, along with the fact that they had six children together.

Outside of her service to the church and community, Collette cherished her friendships. She formed life-long relationships through social groups such as Matrons, the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and her beloved Birthday Club. This club of friends was a tight-knit group that would drop everything for one another during both good times and bad. It was here that Collette’s sense of humor and warmth shone brightly, with her famous “Colletiquette” adding joy to everyone’s lives.

Collette is survived by her beloved children and their families: Tony Conati and his wife Lisa of Scottsdale, AZ, along with their children Nick and Lauren (Joey); John Conati and his wife Julie of Big Rapids, MI, along with their children Alex and Christian; Tom Conati and his wife Becky of Fisher, MN, along with their children Claire, Trace, and Cameron; Bill Conati and his wife Mary of Gilbert, AZ, along with their children Katelyn(Curtis) and Natalie; Catherine Monson and her husband Ron of New London, MN, along with their children Anna and Matthew; Patty Gratz and her husband Joel of Atwater, MN, along with their children Andrew, Tony, Jacob, and Joseph. She is also survived by countless others for she was a mother to many, whether by blood or by heart, and her legacy of compassion will continue to ripple through generations.

Collette was preceded in death by her husband Charlie, two stillbirths, her sister Marcia Maehren Carpenado, her parents Nester & Evelyn (Viken) Maehren, stepmother Kathryn (Flesch) Maehren, and her spiritual life mentor, Sister Mary Magdeline.

A celebration of Collette’s life will be held on March 1, 2025, at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Crookston, MN, at 2:00 PM. Visitation with the family will take place one hour prior to Mass. The family invites all to join them immediately following the service for refreshments and fellowship. The service will be livestreamed, and the link can be found by visiting www.stenshoelhouske.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Collette’s memory by performing an act of kindness in her name, whether big or small. Collette believed that love, when given freely, was the greatest gift of all. Memorials can be sent to: Mount Saint Benedict Monastery in Crookston, MN; The Congregation of St. Joseph (csjoseph.org); The Bethesda Foundation in Willmar, MN.