Katherine Lounsbery

Katherine “Kay” Louise Kjetland was born on November 9, 1945, to Lloyd and Helen (Hopkins) Kjetland in Huron, South Dakota. Growing up Kay made friends easily with her kind spirit and fun personality. She was well loved by her many friends and peers and was part of KI-YI royalty in Watertown. She graduated in 1964 and later pursued her passion for art at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. While in Aberdeen she met the love of her life, Mark Lounsbery.

They were united in marriage on April 16, 1967, in Watertown. The couple lived on the family farm near Revillo, South Dakota for 37 years. Kay and Mark were blessed with two children: Todd and Susan. In 2004, Kay and Mark built a new house not far from the original farm site where they were presently residing. Kay’s creative spirit shined through in everything she did. She had a talent for making a house feel like home, had a deep passion for the outdoors and cherished spending time in nature. She found   solace in the company of her beloved cats and found joy in the simple pleasure that life had to offer. She was Mark’s biggest supporter and believed they could get through anything if they had each other. She took immense pride in her role as a homemaker and farm wife, supporting her husband and raising their children with unwavering love. Kay loved watching movies, especially old classics, and though she wasn’t particularly interested in sports, she found great joy in witnessing her grandchildren’s athletic endeavors.

Kay passed away on Saturday, May 11, 2024, surrounded by her family at her most favorite place on earth, her home.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Mark Lounsbery of Revillo, SD; son, Todd (Pamela) Lounsbery of Revillo, SD; daughter, Susan (Mark Grossmann) Lounsbery of New Ulm, MN; two grandchildren: Tyler (Kelly) Lounsbery of Duvall, WA; Shelby (Dustin) Johnson of Revillo, SD; five great-grandchildren: Morrison and Arrow Lounsbery, Adeline, Ruby, and Elayna Johnson; brother Rick Kjetland of Miller, SD. 

She is preceded in death by her parents: Lloyd and Helen Kjetland; sisters-in-law; Aunt B; and Uncle Dick.