Carl Karrasch, 74, of Artesian, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022.

Carl was born March 16, 1947, in Chicago, Ill. Eventually, life moved him to Antioch, Ill., where he met his wife, Rose. They grew their life together with their four sons in Butternut, Wis. He enjoyed most outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. The love of the outdoors brought them to Artesian. They spent the last 23 years enjoying the outdoors with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Carl is survived by his wife, Rose; children, Carl (Carmen) Karrasch, Erich (Chris) Karrasch, Bill (Deveree) Karrasch and Gene (Christine) Karrasch; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Colin Karrasch.

Kathryn Francis Kothe, 88, of Mitchell, formerly of Fedora, passed away on Feb. 17, 2022, at the Avera Brady Care Center in Mitchell. 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, at the St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard. Interment followed at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Howard. Visitation with family present was Tuesday, Feb. 22, at the church with a scripture service.

Kathryn Francis Kommes was born on April 20, 1933, to Mathias “Matt” and Sarah “Sadie” (Esser) Kommes on the family farm south of Howard. 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. On Feb. 19, 1957, she married LaVerne Kothe at St. Agatha. To this union, three children were born. LaVerne and Kathryn made their home north of Fedora, where they lived for 61 years.

She was active in her community and church, serving on many committees, as 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. She always had a large garden and enjoyed sharing the harvest.

Kathryn is survived by her husband, LaVerne; daughters, Diane (Merle) Bechen and Donna (Ted) DeLoy; 11 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Ralph (Sharon) Kommes; sister, Mary Ann Olson; and sister-in-law, Sharon Kommes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David; and brothers, Leo, Merle and Alan.

Esther Lorraine Sargent, 98, of Mitchell, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 19, at Will Funeral Chapel, with a burial at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery at a later date. Visitation was Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Will Funeral Chapel. Memorials can be directed to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

Esther Lorraine Sargent, daughter of Garfield and Cleva (Burnett) Nelson, was born on the family farm in rural Artesian. She grew up and attended country school in rural Artesian.

Esther was united in marriage with Melvin Sargent Sr. on Feb. 7, 1939, in Woonsocket. The couple lived on a farm near Artesian before moving to a farm near Plano. They made their home in Mitchell in 1952. While in Mitchell, Esther was a homemaker and raised their children. After her children were grown, Esther was employed at Firesteel Healthcare Center for several years. In her retirement, she sewed and mended for the residents at Firesteel.

Esther enjoyed flowers and walking her dog.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Mitchell.

Esther is survived by her children, Karen Boyd of Omaha, Neb., Kay (Dennis) Gunderson of Chamberlain, Melvin “Bill” (Ronda) Sargent Jr. of Mt. Vernon, Kathy (Glen) Wentland of Mt. Vernon, Linda Kobold of Sioux Falls, Ron (June) Sargent of Rapid City, Gaye (Rene) Hubbard-Figueroa of Larchwood, Iowa, Melody (Rich) Maeschen-Granberg of Pierre, and Edwards Sargent of Mitchell; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Sargent, and her daughter, Sherry Sargent.