Kate Elizabeth Cook Obituary, Sault Ste. Marie, MI Death – Beloved Sault Ste. Marie Woman Dies at 45
The Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, community is mourning the loss of Kate Elizabeth “Katey” Kempfert Cook, who died at the age of 45 on November 5, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Saginaw. According to her family-submitted obituary, she passed away surrounded by her family.
Katey was born on October 7, 1981, in Sault Ste. Marie to Walter and Nancy Kempfert. She grew up in the area and became a familiar face to many through her work at the Downtowner Bar, where she served as co-owner and manager alongside her father.
Her obituary remembers her as welcoming, attentive and friendly, with a natural ability to make customers feel valued. Her work brought her into contact with many people and helped her develop friendships that extended beyond the workplace.
Outside work, Katey enjoyed an active life. Horses were a major passion during her younger years, and she spent time riding, owning and showing them. She later embraced snowmobiling, boating and other outdoor activities. Figure skating was another longstanding interest, beginning when she joined the Hiawatha Figure Skating Club as a young child.
Katey married Mike Cook on October 4, 2025, at Tahquamenon Falls. The family obituary states that she was diagnosed with stage-four lung cancer within weeks of the wedding. She faced the illness with the support of her husband, children, family and friends.
Her children, Clayton and Cora Matheson, were described as her greatest legacy. She is survived by them and her husband, Mike, as well as her parents and stepfather, her siblings, stepdaughters, extended family members and many friends.
A private graveside service will take place at Mission Hill Cemetery. The family has invited friends and community members to an informal celebration of Katey’s life on November 10, 2026, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Three One Three, located at 313 Ashmun Street in Sault Ste. Marie.
Those wishing to honour her memory may make donations to Road to Recovery, the American Cancer Society, Karmanos Cancer Institute or Ball Hospice House.
Katey’s obituary reflects a life shaped by family, friendship, work, sports and a love of adventure. Her memory will remain with the many people whose lives she touched.