Katherine T. Slaba, 96 of Wagner

Katherine died Monday, April 26, 2010 at St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston, SD. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held 10:30 am Thursday, April 29, 2010 at Assumption Catholic Church in Dante, with burial at St. John Catholic Cemetery, rural Wagner. Rosary/Wake services will be 7:30 pm Wednesday at the church. Visitation will be at Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home in Wagner from 2 pm to 5 pm Wednesday.

Katherine Theresa Slaba, daughter of Mike and Rose (Schuch) Koupal, was born in Tabor, SD on November 5, 1913. She died Monday, April 26, 2010 at St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston, SD. Katherine attained the age of 96 years, five months and 22 days.

Katherine's family moved north of Dante when she was three years old and then later moved south of Dante. She attended Rouse Country School through the eighth grade.

At the age of 18, Katherine's mother died and she was left to help her father raise six brothers and a baby sister until she married. Katherine married Joe Slaba in Dante on November 5, 1935. Together they farmed for many years north of Wagner. Three children were blessed to their union. Joe and Katherine moved into Wagner in 1965. Joe passed away on June 28, 1971. Katherine continued to live in her own home until 1997 and then moved into apartments in Wagner. She became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in June of 2009.

Katherine's main occupation was being a mom and grandma. She also worked at the Wagner Sale Barn, Emmy's Cafe, Dog and Suds, Wagner Good Samaritan Center and folded countless towels at the beauty shop throughout her life.

Katherine was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Altar Society and a former member of AARP.

Katherine loved to make kolaches, rollickas and dumplings. She enjoyed watching baseball and football and playing Bingo and Dominoes. Katherine will be remembered for her daily two mile walks, but especially her love for her children and grandchildren.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Doris and husband Don Hosek; Wilbur and wife Delma; Eugene and wife Barb, all of Wagner; 14 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; two brothers: Stephen and wife Helen of Wagner; and Mike and wife Sharon of Yankton; two sisters: Maxine Lovelace of Wilmington, OH; and Lillian Biehl of Geddes; three sisters-in-law: Annie Koupal, Emma Koupal and Irene Slaba, all of Wagner; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Katherine was preceded in death by her husband; parents; five brothers: Charles, Ralph, Joe, Leonard and Anton; and a step sister, Albina Koupal.