Kathryn Louise Kriens, 87, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Sanford Hospital after a sudden illness. Her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation on Monday, March 28, 2016 will be from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Kahler Funeral Home and will resume at the church at 5:00 p.m. The family will be present from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and the Christian Wake Service will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the church.  On-Line Condolences may be left at Kahler Funeral Home.

Kathryn Louise Kriens was born March 23, 1929 to John and Margaret (Hemmer) Welbig in Dell Rapids, SD. She graduated from Dell Rapids St. Mary High School in 1947 and General Beadle State Teachers College, Madison, SD. She taught at several country schools in rural Dell Rapids. She was united in marriage to Mike Kriens on November 18, 1953 in Dell Rapids. They made their home and farmed northwest of Dell Rapids with their 6 children for 44 years, then moved into Dell Rapids in 1997. She was an active member in her church and volunteered at Padre’s Thrift Store. Louise enjoyed being a farm wife and mother, grandma/great-grandma, her garden and flower beds, playing cards and dominoes. She is very well known for her beautiful quilts and crocheting. She will always be remembered for her kindness and thoughtfulness to others.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 62 years, Mike, Dell Rapids, children David Kriens, Dell Rapids, SD; Sharon (Harold) Nicholas, Harrisburg, NC; Joan (Alan) Amundson, Colton, SD; Jean (Mike) Gilmore, Dell Rapids, SD, Karen (Wayne) Johnson, Sioux Falls, SD; Terry (Barb) Kriens, Dell Rapids, SD; 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way; brother Bud (Colleen) Welbig, Dell Rapids, SD; sister Sister Lynn Marie Welbig, Sioux Falls, SD; and many relatives and friends.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Leon and nephew, Dale Welbig.