Funny obit…

When someone close to us passes away, it’s customary for family members to write an obituary—often a heartfelt tribute filled with love, memories, and respect. These notices are usually intended to honor the life of the deceased and share their legacy with others. However, not all obituaries follow that traditional, flattering script. Some families choose to be remarkably honest, even blunt, in how they reflect on a loved one’s life.

Obituaries are typically public and can appear in newspapers or be shared widely online. This means they may be seen by dozens—or even hundreds—of people, depending on how they are distributed. Because of this, they can become powerful tools of remembrance, but occasionally, they become lightning rods for controversy.

One such case involved the obituary of Kathleen Dehmlow, which gained national attention for its unusually harsh tone. Written by her two adult children, the obituary was first published in *The Redwood Falls Gazette*, a local newspaper. At first, it seemed to follow the traditional format. But as readers reached the final lines, it became clear that this obituary was anything but ordinary.

The closing sentence was particularly shocking—and for some, darkly humorous. It hinted at deep-seated family tensions and unresolved pain. While obituaries are usually written with reverence, this one exposed long-standing conflicts that clearly hadn’t healed, even after death.

The obituary quickly went viral, prompting a wave of criticism and debate. In response to the backlash, the newspaper eventually removed the post. However, by then, it had already been shared widely and sparked a national conversation about grief, truth, and forgiveness.

A relative named Dwight later confirmed many of the obituary’s details, while offering a more compassionate perspective. He acknowledged that Kathleen had made a serious mistake many decades ago, but emphasized that she had shown remorse since then. “Everyone makes errors,” he said, suggesting that time had brought some redemption, even if the obituary didn’t reflect it.

The person who wrote the obituary, however, felt differently—leaving readers with a sense of unresolved bitterness. They claimed the message would cause pain for many people, but believed it needed to be said. The CEO of the newspaper defended the decision to publish it, stating that there are no legal restrictions on obituary content, though editorial standards must still be maintained. He confirmed that the complaints were taken seriously and the piece was reviewed thoroughly.

In the end, this striking obituary challenged the usual boundaries of public mourning. Whether readers found it offensive, honest, or strangely cathartic, it undeniably highlighted how grief and family history can intertwine in unpredictable—and deeply human—ways.

And yes, if you’re curious, we have the full obituary ready for you to read.