Controversial Obituary for Kathleen Dehmlow Sparks Public Outrage

The obituary for Kathleen Dehmlow, published by The Redwood Falls Gazette, quickly went viral due to its shocking and deeply personal content. What started as a typical tribute soon revealed unresolved family conflicts, culminating in a final statement that left readers stunned.

Rather than honoring her life, her two adult children used the obituary to publicly air grievances, calling attention to a “significant mistake” their mother made six decades ago. The scathing tone of the obituary led to widespread backlash, prompting the newspaper to remove it from its website—though by then, the damage had already been done.

Family Response and Public Backlash

A family member named Dwight later confirmed the obituary’s accuracy but criticized its publication, arguing that Kathleen had expressed remorse for her past actions. He accused the author of the obituary of causing unnecessary suffering to multiple people by airing private matters in such a public way.

Despite the controversy, The Redwood Falls Gazette defended its decision to publish the obituary, stating that there was “no legal prohibition” against its content. The newspaper’s CEO acknowledged the backlash and promised a review of their obituary policies.

Obituaries as a Platform for Family Conflicts

This incident sheds light on how obituaries—traditionally used to honor and remember loved ones—can sometimes become platforms for unresolved family disputes. It raises important ethical questions about editorial oversight and the consequences of making personal grievances public.