Catherine N. Cressman age 81 died on Friday, August 28,2009 at the Avera Gregory Healthcare Center following a short struggle with schlerosing sarcoma.
Catherine Naomi Cressman was born at home in Herrick, SD, September 7, 1927 to C. Luther Cressman and Naomi Ruth Jeffords Cressman. Catherine had an older sister, Evelyn and has a younger brother, Charles. In 1929, at the age of 2 she was baptized at home. When Catherine was 14, she was confirmed at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Herrick. She attended grades one through eight in Herrick as well as her freshman and sophomore high school years. Her family moved to Burke in 1943 when Luther became employed by the county. She graduated from Burke High School with the class of 1945. Catherine attended college at Springfield for six months to become a teacher. Upon completion of her certificate, she later taught country school for one year north of Burke.
In 1947 Catherine began working at Missouri Valley Insurance Company in Burke, SD. Her jobs varied from receptionist to book keeper to claims. In March of 1962 she and Edna Woehl ventured to Milbank, SD to continue in the insurance profession. Her first job was as an auto underwriting clerk. In time she was promoted to clerical underwriting supervisor. Catherine remained in this position until retirement on December 28, 1988. When asked about her plans for retirement she said "I plan to enjoy my hobbies of crafts, sewing, and quilting. I may even look for some part-time office work." Other items she had in mind were to become an Avon lady and making a trip to Nashville to see the Grand Ole Oprey. She did accomplish being an Avon lady for 16 years.
Catherine will be most remembered for her quilting ability. Each family member down to the wee ones, all have special quilts/afghans that represent something meaningful to them. We cannot exclude her many passions namely gardening, canning, jelly making, saving every flower and tree, wine making, ceramics, crocheting, knitting, fancy work, any kind of baking especially pies, and babysitting great nieces and nephews. Another joy was "Joy" and her bus going on shopping excursions to Yankton, Mitchell and Pierre. We all learned that the best deals would only be found at the "DOLLAR STORE".
Catherine was five when she made her first 4-block quilt. Grandma Jeffords helped her make her first quilt. This quilt was given to her first born great niece, Kristen Gill.
Being a member of the Grace Lutheran Church was the spiritual foundation of Catherines life. At a young age, she began teaching Sunday School. This involvement with church and youth continued after she moved to Milbank. In later years she was recognized as a Charter member of the Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church at Milbank. The Friday weekly Bible study at the Nutrition Center in Burke continued her knowledge of understanding the scriptures.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther and Naomi Cressman, her sister, Evelyn Cressman Horn and brother-in-law, Elmer Horn.
She is survived by her brother Charles of Butte, NE; nieces Cindy (Bob) Diekmann, Gregory, SD; Cathy (Bob) Harrison, Burke, VA; Kerry Horn, Sioux Falls, SD; nephew Clark (Mary) Horn, Burke, SD. Great nieces and nephews Bryan Diekmann, Vail, CO; Bethany (Dan) Beck, Gregory, SD; Barton (Jennifer) Diekmann, Gregory, SD; Kristen (Bryan) Gill, Bismarck, ND; Angela (Kyle) Mediger, Parker, CO; Craig (Jessica) Horn, Castlewood,SD; Mark Horn, Winona, MN; Jordynne Horn, Burke,SD; Cassie(Brian)Lacey, Hopewell, VA; Lance Harrison, Burke, VA; and Holly Harrison (Arthur Bond) Blacksburg, VA. Great, great nieces and nephews Madeline and Bridgette Horn; Wynnter Mediger; Holden and Hudson Gill and numerous cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 10:30 AM at Grace Lutheran Church in Burke. Burial will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Burke. There will be a prayer service on Wednesday at 7:30 pm at the church. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the church.