Kathy Graber

Kathy Graber 79 of Freeman, passed away Sunday March 3rd at Avera Mckennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.  A memorial service will be held Saturday March 9th at 11 am at Bethany Church of Freeman.  A visitation will be Friday from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Walter Funeral Home in Freeman.  

Link to livestream funeral service:
https://youtube.com/live/Svb6XiOSRPo?feature=share

Kathleen Hertha Herrboldt Graber was born on May 04, 1944 to Filmore & Verna (Heckenlaible) Herrboldt in Scotland, SD. On December 26, 1964, Kathy was united in marriage to DeWayne Graber at St Paul Lutheran Church in Freeman, SD; they were married 58 loving years. 

Kathy was Baptized & 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: Sundy School, Bible School, Decorating, & 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 & 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 KC 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; brother-in-law Terry (Chris) Graber of Newton, KS; 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.  Along with a host of great-nieces and nephews.

Kathy was proceeded in death by her husband DeWayne; parents Filmore & Verna Herrboldt; brother Dennis Herrboldt; parents-in-law Albert & Mabel Graber; brother-in-law Lawrence Graber; and sister-in-law Sharon Koerner.