Kathleen A. Keppen

Kathleen “Kathy” Keppen, age 77, of Sioux Falls, SD, gained her wings Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM on Monday, June 29, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls. Her Memorial Service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory, Sioux Falls. Interment to follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls. Consider memorials to Ava's Hospice House.  

Kathleen was born on September 27, 1948, to Sam and Laura Knutson. She attended Colman Public Schools and graduated from Colman High School.

On August 13, 1966, she was united in marriage with Randy Keppen in Madison, SD, and became loving parents to their two children, Eric and Angela. Kathy worked various jobs in banking, ending her career at Sanford Hospital as an executive assistant for 22 years.   

She loved her people fiercely. Whether she was a wife, mom, grandma, sister, or friend, she was always there for you. She was the kind of person who always had a front-row seat to your life-cheering you on, bragging about you, supporting you, and loving you through it all. She was so proud of her family. She loved watching the kids play ball and rarely missed a game, concert, recital, or activity. Nothing brought her more joy than watching the people she loved thrive. 

She enjoyed summer months at the lake with her husband and friends and following around grandkids to all their activities and sporting events. She could often be found enjoying her daily crossword puzzles. 

Not only was she nurturing and gentle, but she was also incredibly strong. She faced hardships throughout her life with grace and resilience. Even during her battle with pancreatic cancer, she carried herself with a quiet strength that inspired us, she was our superhero and she rarely complained, even when she had every right to. 

Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Randy Keppen, Sioux Falls, South Dakota; son, Eric Keppen of Sioux Falls; daughter, Angela Radel (Chad) also of Sioux Falls; grandchildren, Elizabeth Hepner (Luke), Erica Keppen, Gus Radel, Jack Radel, Jordan Hagena (Crystal), Kayla Wheeler (Matt); 5 great-grandchildren, and sister, Cindy Erickson (Keven). 

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Laura (Nebben) Knutson.