Funeral services for Katie Lesmeister of Morris will be held Monday, September 16, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris. Father Todd Schneider will be officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m., at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, and for one hour prior to services at the church on Monday. Burial will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Morris.
Katie Lesmeister, daughter of Martin and Hannah (Bruns) Valentine was born April 9, 1919 on a family farm near Willow Lake, South Dakota. Katie grew up in the Willow Lake area and attended country school. She later moved to the Morris area where she worked for various farm families. Katie was united in marriage to Eugene Lesmeister October 12, 1940 at the Assumption Parish in Morris. Following their marriage, the couple made their home in Morris where Katie was a homemaker and together raised their eight children. She also helped Eugene with his blacksmith shop. Katie moved to West Wind Village in Morris April 10, 2008 where she continued to live until the time of her death.
Katie was a life long member of Assumption Catholic Church. She enjoyed embroidery, reading, baking, and gardening and spending time with family. Eugene and Katie also enjoyed fishing and camping together.
Katie died on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at West Wind Village in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 94 years.
She is survived by five children: Betty (David) Schwanke of Grey Eagle, Rose (Mark) Voigt of Elk River, Tom (Roxanne) Lesmeister of Morris, Tony Lesmeister of Donnelly and Annette (Ken) Veum of Morris; 17 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Katie was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Eugene; three children: Roger, Louise and Mary; her parents; 5 brothers; 7 Sisters; and daughter-in-law, Theresa Lesmeister.
Pallbearers for the service will be Katie's Grandsons; with her Granddaughters serving as honorary pallbearers. Linda Hodgson will serve as pianist for the service, with Gary Uphoff serving as soloist and Ken Hodgson serving as song leader. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.
Funeral Service