Katherine M. Bava was born at home in Dilworth, MN, on December 6, 1927, to Dominico and Chiara (Gennorela) Bava. Katherine was raised in Dilworth where she graduated from high school. She attended Interstate Business College, in Fargo, ND, and then married Stanley Gordon on July 24, 1950, in Dilworth. They made their home in Dilworth where they raised their family.