LaVerne Vay Kothe was born on August 9, 1927 on a farm north of Fedora, SD to George and Tillie (Aswegen) Kothe and passed away on September 23, 2026 in Mitchell, SD at the age of 99. Mass of Christian Burial will be, 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Howard. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the church. A Prayer service and Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM.
He attended Lewis School through eighth grade and joked that he walked up hill both ways to school, rain or shine. He went to Argonne High School and graduated in 1945 as the class valedictorian. After graduation, he farmed with his father and brother, Jim.
LaVerne was drafted for WWII and spent one year in the Army, receiving an honorable discharge. He was drafted again for the Korean War. He served as a combat medic in the Army and again received an honorable discharge. LaVerne rarely spoke of his military career and would just say “Anyone could have done what I did.” Although, he would share stories of hitchhiking to his reporting station and home again after being discharged from the Army.
He met Kathryn Kommes one night when out with friends in Howard, SD and was immediately “smitten”. They were married on February 19, 1957 at St. Agatha in Howard, SD.
LaVerne and Kathryn lived in the Carthage area before making their home just north of Fedora, SD.
LaVerne loved spring, working the land and raising livestock. Sundays were always spent checking cattle and counting newborn calves. He served many years on the Miner County Township Board and the Fedora Fire Department. His most prized possessions were his family and his faith.
LaVerne was a quiet man with a great memory. He was known for being able to recall details and events and was often called upon to settle disputes when facts of long ago were needed.
LaVerne and Kathyn shared a great faith and LaVerne joined the Catholic church in April 1992.
LaVerne is survived by daughters, Diane (Merl) Bechen and Donna(Ted) DeLoy. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Alyssa (Brandon) McLellan, Caleb, Carsyn and Cohen. Angela (Zach) Nolz, Sophia, Rory and Izzy. Amanda Bechen, Mackenzy DeLoy, Tanner (Maddie) DeLoy, Atlas and Axel. Extended family Jerry Kothe, Lorna (Bernard) Feldhaus, Barb (Denny) Myren, Mary Ann Olson, Ralph and Sharon Kommes and Sharon Kommes and numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be greeted in Heaven by his best friend and wife of almost 65 years, Kathryn and son. David, and countless friends and family members.
Kathryn always said “When an old man dies, a library closes.” This library’s doors have closed for the last time.
