Kathy Graber, 79
Kathy Graber, 79, of Freeman, S.D., passed away Sunday, March 3 at Avera Mckennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at the Bethany Church of Freeman. A visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Walter Funeral Home in Freeman.
Kathleen Hertha Herrboldt Graber was born on May 4, 1944 to Filmore and Verna (Heckenlaible) Herrboldt in Scotland, S.D. On Dec. 26, 1964, Kathy was united in marriage to DeWayne Graber at St Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman; they were married 58 loving years.
Kathy was baptized and confirmed at St Paul Lutheran Church. She became a member of Bethany Mennonite Church in 1974.
Kathy attended country school, St. Paul Lutheran Day School, Freeman High School, Freeman Jr. College and USD.
Kathy devoted 43 years to teaching the children of the Freeman community. She spent her first year at Sunny South Country School, which held great meaning, as this is where Kathy and DeWayne met. The remainder of her teaching years were at Freeman Public Grade School. She thoroughly loved all aspects of teaching (except for grape gum). She was recognized by Outstanding Young Women of America multiple years. Kathy was actively involved in several church activities and committees throughout her life: Sunday school, Bible school, Decorating, and Choir Leader. Most recently, Kathy was the president of the Freeman Nursing Home Resident Committee.
In addition to having a full life in her chosen career, Kathy’s greatest joy was spending time with family — especially her nieces and nephews. Kathy enjoyed traveling to the Black Hills and being in the mountains. She loved to read and held story time at the Freeman Nursing Home, where she read to the residents. Later in life, she became an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan (thanks to her brother Dan).
Kathy was known to many as the Bunny Lady, due to her large collection of all things rabbit. Her love of collecting rabbits was featured on the news and in print.
Blessed to have shared in her life are: brother Dan (Loy) Herrboldt of Freeman; sister-in-law MaryAnn Herrboldt of Spearfish, S.D.; brother-in-law Terry (Chris) Graber of Newton, Kan.; and brother-in-law Herb Koerner Jr. of Freeman. Nephews and nieces: Amy (Michael) Pankratz; Dean (Tina) Herrboldt; Gwen (Michael Curran) Herrboldt; Brent (April) Herrboldt; Jeremy (Melissa) Herrboldt; Adam (Zora) Herrboldt; Burgandy (Jake) Rempfer; Monty (Hope) Graber; Allison (Julius Salas) Graber; and Herbie (Alexa) Koerner III.
Kathy was proceeded in death by her husband DeWayne; parents Filmore and Verna Herrboldt; brother Dennis Herrboldt; parents-in-law Albert and Mabel Graber; brother-in-law Lawrence Graber; and sister-in-law Sharon Koerner.
