Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Louise Dachtler, 63, of Whitewood, SD, passed away on April 21, 2024, after a battle against an infection of the lungs at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.
Kathy Alexander was born on March 21, 1961, to Clayton and Phyllis Alexander in Great Falls, MT. Due to her father’s service in the Air Force, as a child Kathy moved all around the country. When Clayton retired from the Air Force, the family settled in Rapid City, SD, where Kathy attended Central High School. In May of 1979, Kathy gave birth to her first son, Nicholas; then Jeremy in 1980; Adam in 1989; and Eric in 1992. During that time, she worked tirelessly to support her family, and eventually began her lifelong career as a Certified Nurse Assistant with Regional Health.
On July 10, 2004, Kathy and Bill were married in Rapid City, SD, joining their two families of 4 boys and 2 boys, respectively. Kathy and Bill were married for 19 loving years. Kathy and Bill were a team that you could count on always being together, and their love was instrumental in building the family here today.
Kathy spent her time with a range of hobbies: playing cribbage, bowling, golfing, and spontaneous vacations on the road to name a few; and of course, attending every sporting event, play, concert, or recital put on by her kids and grandkids. She infamously hated winter, cold, and snow; she could always be found bundled up. She prided herself on being a wonderful wife, mother of six, grandmother of seven, and great-grandmother of one; as well as a hard-working, compassionate, and generous caregiver through her work as a CNA and Transport Aide with Monument Health for more than 30 years. She retired in June of 2023, and in her retirement, she enjoyed golfing, road trips, and even the occasional video game.
Kathy is survived by her husband: William L. “Bill” Dachtler; her six sons: Nicholas “Nick” Jacobs (Heather), Jeremy Jacobs (Kayla), Donovan Dachtler, Adam Burke, William K. “Bill” Dachtler, and Eric Burke (Gabrielle); her seven grandchildren: Devin, Jordin (Ashlyn), Kayden, Samantha, Jayma, Hazel, Liam; and great-grandchild, Nolan; younger brother, Lawrence Alexander, and nieces Jennifer, Amanda, Katherine, and Kelsey; and sisters-in-law: Beth Hermanson (Laverne), and her children, Sarah, and Joseph; and Cindy Cihak, and her children Kela (Lehi), and Marshall (Lexy); and Kathy’s countless friends near and far.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Phyllis Alexander, her parents-in-law, Donovan and Velma Dachtler, and her brother-in-law, Tim Cihak.
Kathy was known to be the rock of the family. She was the matriarch to her army of sons, and was fiercely devoted to her family. Her laugh echoed throughout every family get-together, her smile made you feel seen and welcome, and her sense of humor was unmatched. Kathy will be sorely missed by everyone whose hearts she touched, and she will be loved forever.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel with an internment to follow at Whitewood Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
