Kathryn Cotter, 86, of Colton, passed away on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls. Her Mass of Christian Burial is at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2019 in St. Joseph the Workman Catholic Church at Huntimer. Interment is in the St. Joseph the Workman Cemetery. Visitation with the family present is from 5:00 pm. – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019 in the church with the Christian Wake service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Kahler Funeral Home.

Kathryn Alice Murphy was born on August 21, 1932 in Oldham, SD, the daughter of Ed and Margaret Murphy. Kathryn grew up in the Oldham-Winfred area and graduated from Madison High School in 1950. She married Joseph Thomas Cotter on February 14, 1953 at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Sioux Falls. They lived in Colton where they were happily married for 53 years and were blessed with six children. Kathy most recently resided at Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls.

Kathy spent her early years working on their family farm. In 1971, she decided to pursue nursing and obtained an L.P.N. degree. Later, in her mid-fifties, she earned an R.N. degree. Kathy excelled at nursing and referred to RN work as “a privilege.” Kathy served at Avera McKennan Hospital for nearly 30 years until her retirement.

Kathy enjoyed genealogy, sewing, and traveling with Joe – especially their trip to Ireland. Her greatest joy was family gatherings and the bigger the better. These gatherings swelled over the years as a result of six children, 16 grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Jim (Pam) Cotter of Southern Shores, NC, Rob (Cheryl) Cotter of Goodland, KS, Mary Pfaff of Tea, Barbara (Bob) Sieps of Lincoln, NE, Patty (Matt) Miller of Sioux Falls, and Mark (Denise) Cotter of Sioux Falls; and her Sister-In-Law, Sr. Suzanne Cotter of Sioux Falls, SD.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe (2006), parents, two brothers, Virgil and Lawrence, and sisters, Frances and infant, Mary.

Memorials may be directed toward St Joseph the Workman Catholic Church at Huntimer.