Kathryn Kothe

Kathryn Francis Kommes was born on April 20, 1933 to Mathias (Matt) and Sarah “Sadie” (Esser) Kommes on the family farm south of Howard, SD.

She attended St. Agatha grade school and high school. After graduating from high school, she worked for Northwestern Bell as a telephone operator in Howard, SD.

On February 19, 1957, she married LaVerne Kothe at St. Agatha. To this union were born three children.

LaVerne and Kathryn made their home north of Fedora, SD, where they lived for 61 years. They were inseparable best friends.

She was very active in her community and church, serving on many committees, a religion teacher and as a 4-H leader for the Happy Pals 4-H club.

After her family was raised, she was employed by the Miner County Sheriff’s office as a dispatcher. She retired in November 2003.

Kathryn loved to knit, crochet, quilt, bake and read. She was known for her angel food cakes and taught many friends and family members her secret to a good cake. Your birthday was not completed until you received one of her yummy cakes. She always had a large garden and enjoyed sharing the harvest. There were many “disputes” over if her salsa was evenly distributed among family members. She loved to share a meal with friends and family who dropped by the house

Her family was her most prized possession.

Kathryn wrote, “I would like to pass this life exhausted.” …and she did just that.

Kathryn is survived by her husband and friend 65 years, LaVerne. Daughters, Diane Bechen and husband, Merl, Donna DeLoy and husband, Ted.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren:

Alyssa (Brandon) Caleb, Carsyn and Cohen McLellan

Angela (Zach) Sophia, Rory and Izzy Nolz

Amanda Bechen

Mackenzy DeLoy

Tanner (Maddie Palmquist) Atlas DeLoy

Brother Ralph (Sharon) Kommes, Sister, Mary Ann Olson and sister-in-law, Sharon Kommes.

She will be greeted in Heaven by her parents, son, David and brothers, Leo, Merle and Alan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at the St. Agatha Church, Howard, SD. Visitation with family present will be Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the church from 5pm to 7pm, with a Scripture service to be said at 6:30pm.