Kate West Emerson Spaeth

On Saturday, January 21, 2023, Kate Spaeth, loving daughter, aunt and sister, passed away at the age of 39.  Kate was born on March 22, 1983, and was currently residing in Detroit Lakes.  Kate was always smiling and had such a kind heart.  She went out of her way to help others and had the sweetest hugs. 

Kate was the heart of the Detroit Lakes Jaycees. She was a passionate leader as the Admiral for the 82nd Water Carnival in 2017 and it was the best organized Water Carnival (according to her family)!  In 2019, Kate served as President of the Detroit Lakes Jaycees.  She was recently elected as the 91st President of the Minnesota Jaycees and received the Minnesota Jaycees Statesman Award. The Jaycees became Kate’s second family, and she formed many strong relationships across the organization. She had a love for organizing, a willingness to help, and always served with a smile.

Kate was very detailed oriented and a perfectionist in everything she did.  With her gentle spirit and creative mind, she put her artistic talents to work by painting.  Kate was a fabulous cook and was always giving to others, including making her family meals so that she could practice new recipes.

Kate looked forward to hunting season and was affectionally called “Dead Eye Kate”. This was the only vacation she took every year and was a very special time with her dad, Steve and family and friends.  Although she always came home with a sore neck from looking at all her tall cousins and uncles. 

She recently completed her business degree through Devry University and was currently working at Jackson Hewitt in Fargo, ND.  Kate was also a board member with the Detroit Lakes Area Community Foundation. 

Kate was preceded in death by her dad, Dave Emerson, sisters Sarah and Amy Emerson, grandparents Tom and Avis West, Solway and Peter Emerson, and Sonny and Altha Spaeth.  She is survived by her parents, Steve and Jane Spaeth, her four sisters, Jessica, Stephanie (Matt), Kristen (Brent) and Molly (Evan) and nieces and nephews: Ella, Amira, Jack, Gabriel, Gunnar, Grace, William, Colby, Brady and Alex.  

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 27th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes at 2 o’clock pm.  There will be a visitation the evening prior from 5-7pm at Holy Rosary. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Gift for Kids Fundraiser through the Detroit Lakes Jaycees or a Community Caring Scholarship.