Kathy's service will be live streamed through Clausen Funeral Home and Cremation Services facebook page.

Kathleen Jo McMillan, 72, passed away on November 15, 2025. She was born on July 17, 1953, in Bassett, Nebraska, to Harold and Nellie (Dodge) McMillan.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Nellie Jean McMillan of Newport, NE; and sister Bertha (Dee) Delores (McMillan) Gates of Jarrell, TX.

Kathy is survived by her sister Haroldene (McMillan) Stufft; brother-in-law Francis Stufft of Clearwater, NE; brother-in-law Larry Gates of Jarrell, TX; nieces Lori Gates of Lisbon Falls, Maine, Sherri Gates of Newport News, Virginia, and Sherilee (Stufft) & Michael Simpson; nephews Scott & Melissa Gates of Texas and Robert & Ella Mae Stufft of Gladewater, Texas; four great-nieces and nephews.

Kathy is also remembered fondly by her close friends, who were more like family: Bonnie Noziska, Betsy Senter, Sue Chytka, and Janiene Wilson. She shared many special years with her card-group friends: Virginia Tolstedt, Mary Koenig, and Mavis Beckers. These ladies were an integral part of Kathy's life and referred to as sisters from other mothers.

Kathy graduated from Bassett High School and continued her education in business school. After college, she moved to Burke, South Dakota and worked for Missouri Valley Insurance doing clerical work. Kathy began her 31 year career with USDA, Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) and Farm Service Agency in 1979.  Kathy was a Farm Loan Program Technician and became a Program Reviewer covering many offices in South Dakota.  Kathy met many fellow employees and friends through her travels.  After retiring from Federal service, Kathy became the librarian for the Burke Library until 2019.  She then returned to work for Missouri Valley Insurance part time.  Kathy loved the Burke community and enjoyed being home.

She was a talented needleworker and enjoyed giving lessons on knitting and needlework at the Coffee House, where she also spent time with the local coffee group. Kathy had a generous heart and often took care of elderly friends in the community. She loved Elvis Presley and Garfield, and she never missed a chance to share a laugh or a story.

Her family and friends will gather for a prayer service to celebrate her life and the kindness she showed to so many on December 1st, 2025 at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD. Starting with a viewing at 10:00am followed by the funeral at 11:00am.

Kathy's gentle spirit, creativity, and compassion will be forever cherished by all who knew her.