Kathleen McMillan

Funeral service for Kathleen Jo McMillan were held at 11 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2025, at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD, with Pastor Mark Tuttle officiating.

Music for the service was The Old Rugged Cross by Elvis Presley.

Casket bearers were Joe Schultz, Chad Stevicks, Mel Juran, Brad Wilson, Brian Wilson, and Rod Dobesh.

Interment took place at Graceland Cemetery in Burke. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Kathleen Jo McMillan, 72, was born on July 17, 1953, in Bassett, NE, to Harold and Nellie (Dodge) McMillan.

Kathy graduated from Bassett High School and continued her education in business school. After college, she moved to Burke, SD, and worked for Missouri Valley Insurance doing clerical work. Kathy began her 31-year career with USDA, Farmers Home Administration (FmHA), and Farm Service Agency in 1979. Kathy was a farm loan program technician and became a program reviewer, covering many offices in South Dakota. Kathy met many fellow employees and friends through her travels. After retiring from Federal service, Kathy became the librarian for the Burke Library until 2019. She then returned to work for Missouri Valley Insurance part time. Kathy loved the Burke community and enjoyed being home.

She was a talented needleworker and enjoyed giving lessons on knitting and needlework at the Coffee House, where she also spent time with the local coffee group. Kathy had a generous heart and often took care of elderly friends in the community. She loved Elvis Presley and Garfield, and she never missed a chance to share a laugh or a story.

Kathy is remembered fondly by her close friends, who were more like family: Bonnie Noziska, Betsy Senter, Sue Chytka, and Janiene Wilson. She shared many special years with her card-group friends: Virginia Tolstedt, Mary Koenig, and Mavis Beckers. These ladies were an integral part of Kathy’s life and referred to as sisters from other mothers.

Kathy passed away on November 15, 2025. Kathy is survived by her sister Haroldene (McMillan) Stufft; brotherin- law Francis Stufft of Clearwater, NE; brother-in-law Larry Gates of Jarrell, TX; nieces Lori Gates of Lisbon Falls, ME, Sherri Gates of Newport News, VA, and Sherilee (Stufft) and Michael Simpson; nephews Scott and Melissa Gates of Texas, and Robert and Ella Mae Stufft of Gladewater, TX; and four great-nieces and -nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Nellie Jean McMillan of Newport, NE; and sister Bertha “Dee” Delores (McMillan) Gates of Jarrell, TX.