Kathleen "Kay" Hageman

Kathleen "Kay" Hageman Obituary Kathleen (Kay) Hageman, age 78 of Howard, SD, loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and caring great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025 in Mitchell, SD. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. Mass of Christian Burial will be, 10:30AM, Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard, with burial to follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 30 from 5 to 7PM with a prayer service at 7PM at the Willoughby Funeral Home. Following the committal service, all are welcome to attend a luncheon at St. Agatha Hall.
Born in Sibley, Iowa, and raised in Brewster, Minnesota, Kay attended General Beadle State College. On April 3,1970 she married her beloved husband, Larry Hageman. They built their life on the family farm in Winfred, South Dakota, raising two daughters, Lori and Jamie. In 1985, they moved off the farm and into Howard, SD.
During her working life, Kay sold Avon for a time, aided teachers and students at Howard Elementary School, and worked at Ralph's Bar. Kay found her true calling for service at the office of the Miner County Director of Equalization where she worked diligently until her retirement. Her commitment to serving others extended beyond her profession; Kay volunteered her time at the Howard Museum, Meals on Wheels, St. Agatha Church, and the American Legion Women's Auxiliary. Kay embodied the values of service and support for her fellow members, and made a long-lasting impact on her community. Her warmth, gentleness, and smile brightened the days of so many people and will be fondly cherished.
Kay had a passion for all types of handcrafts and homemaking. She enjoyed embroidering, antiquing, gardening, playing cards, taking road trips, and, most of all, spending time with family. Kay was known for her baking, particularly her famous chocolate chip cookies and Special K bars, and she delighted family and friends alike with care packages filled with treats and love.
Kay is survived by her husband, Larry Hageman of Howard, SD; children Lori (Greg) Pietz of Sioux Falls,SD and Jamie (Ann Klassen) Hageman of Mokena, IL; grandchildren Danielle (Ben) Eide, Jalyn (Colby) Parker, Michael Curry, Abi Baumgartner, Matthew Curry, and Greta Baumgartner; great-grandchildren Pippin and Penny Eide; siblings Patrick ("Pat") (Lori) Strouth, Robert (Melody) Strouth; sister-in-laws Linda Strouth, Diann Strouth, Karen Strouth, and Carol (Hageman) (Jerry) Petri. Kay is preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Fern (Maxwell) Strouth, and her parents-in-law, Norman and Hildegard (Koehler) Hageman. She is also preceded by her brothers: John (Jack) Strouth, Joseph (Joe) Strouth and James (Jim) Strouth.
Kay Hageman's light will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering love for her family and community. The family appreciates all thoughts and prayers during this time. To honor her legacy and life, donations may be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Association to support vital research toward methods of treatment, prevention and, ultimately, a cure.