Kathryn Wicks

Kathryn Wicks, age 90, died at the Huron Regional Hospital the morning of Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

A visitation will be held at the Furness Funeral Home of Clark, SD on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM and one hour prior to the service. A funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church of Carpenter, SD on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Kathryn's service may be viewed below.

Kathryn Louise Wicks was born on February 10, 1933, to Kenneth and Florence Olson, in Erwin, SD.  She married Roland Wicks on September 13, 1950, and they began their young marriage with $94 dollars between them and a brief honeymoon in the Black Hills.  Roland joined the U.S. Air Force, and he and Kathryn moved to airbases where he was stationed until he was sent to France during the Korean War.  The first two of their five children, Kerry and Vicky, were born during their time with the Air Force.  After being discharged, Kathryn and Roland lived in Vermillion for a short while before moving to the home farm north of Carpenter, SD where they remained for the 57 years of their marriage, until Roland's death in 2007.

During that time, Roland became the postmaster for Carpenter, and he and Kathryn had three more children:  Wade, Scott, and Yvonne.  Kathryn gardened extensively, sewed the family's clothes, raised chickens, and worked on the farm.  She was known for her ability to have a great meal available for family and whoever "accidentally" showed up at lunch time.  Her chocolate cake, apple pie, and homemade bread and buns were legendary.

Kathryn and Roland enjoyed traveling the U.S. for postal conventions, and Kathryn visited all 50 states.  The highlight for them was their 50th Anniversary trip to Alaska.  They also enjoyed traveling with their children, including a 40th Anniversary trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, and a 50th Anniversary trip to Banff, Canada.  They were able to visit Norway, and Kathryn traveled to Europe and Ireland with her kids.

More than anything, Kathryn enjoyed time with her family and delighted in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She lit up when told that her grandkids were coming for family events, and the grandkids loved her right back, visiting and calling her frequently.  They were her biggest blessing and she loved each of them dearly.

Kathryn was dedicated to the Carpenter United Methodist Church, and many were able to witness through her the true meaning of Christianity.  Her kindness and quiet, strong faith were an inspiration to her family, and it gives them comfort to know she is now Home.

In addition to her children and children-in-laws, Kerry (Lynn) Wicks, Victoria Wicks, Wade (Brenda) Wicks, Scott (Sharon) Wicks, and Yvonne Wicks Taylor, Kathryn will be missed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren:  Shadde Wicks (Darragh; Seamus, Charlie); Adrian Wicks (Sarah; Quentin); Joe Smith; Carly Wicks; Brittany Risser (Kam; Sawyer, Lucy); Chelsea Elmer (Chris Westling; Lovisa, Lennon); Adam Wicks (Lindie; Grace); Keith Wicks (Megan Kriech); Kirby Wicks (Erika; Addyson, Aiden); Amanda Sehnert (TJ; Aliyah, Noah, Aubrey); Kaitlin Vik, Haley Vik, Quincy Taylor; her sister Barbara Hasche and brother Kenneth Olson; sisters-in-law Ione Gamber, Betty Wicks, and Lois Wicks; brother-in-law Larry Wicks, and many nieces and nephews.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; sisters Margaret, Beverly, Janice, Leatrice, and Phyllis; brother Richard; brothers-in-law Kenneth, Gordon and Milo; sisters-in-law Phyllis, Naomi, Marlene and Jan; and her very special friend Kay Gross.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Furness Funeral Home of Clark, SD where there is an online registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com.