The obituary for Kathleen Dehmlow, published by *The Redwood Falls Gazette*, quickly drew public attention and outrage due to its surprising content.
While it started as a typical tribute, the obituary soon revealed deep-seated family animosities. Kathleen’s two adult children used the platform to express personal grievances, culminating in a final sentence that shocked readers.
The obituary was eventually removed from the newspaper’s website after widespread backlash, but by that time, it had already gone viral. A family member, Dwight, confirmed the obituary’s contents and explained that Kathleen had made “a significant mistake six decades ago” but had shown remorse. He criticized the obituary’s author for publicly airing family issues, arguing that it would “inflict considerable suffering on numerous people.”
Despite the controversy, the newspaper defended its decision to publish the obituary, stating there was “no legal prohibition” against its content. The CEO mentioned that their newspaper partners “uphold high content standards” and took the complaints seriously, promising a thorough review of the obituary.
This incident highlights how obituaries, traditionally intended as respectful tributes, can sometimes become platforms for unresolved family conflicts and candid revelations, with the potential to cause significant public and private repercussions.