Archived Services

Kathryn “Kay” Davis-Sturzenbecher
05-04-2021

Kathryn “Kay” Davis-Sturzenbecher, 84, left this world, in the loving embrace of her husband, Rudy, on May 4, 2021. She was born to Harry and Josephine (Emerson) Carnicle on June 20, 1936 in Sioux Falls. Kay graduated from Saint Joseph Catholic High School in May of 1954. On August 8th 1954 she married the first love of her life Ernie Davis and started to plan and expand their family.

During Kay’s long profession and political career, she held several positions of responsibility within the Sioux Falls School district, with a primary focus on title one programs. After retiring from the school district, she owned and operated Kay's and Kay's Too Casino in Sioux Falls for 16 years. In addition to her professional life, Kay was also very involved in South Dakota politics, serving from 1994 to 2002 in the State House of Representatives.

After many years as a widow, Kay was lucky enough to get a second chance at love when she met and married Rudy Sturzenbecher on April 22, 2017.

 In her personal time, Kay loved to play cards and dominoes with family and friends, she also loved to travel, especially to Las Vegas. She had a deep love and pride for her 6 children, 13 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

Kay is survived by her husband: Rudy; one daughter: Marlys Linder, Sioux Falls, SD; two sons: John (Bobbie) Davis, Eloy, AZ, and Jeff (Patty) Davis, Sioux Falls, SD; son in-law: Mike (Jackie) Harris, and her special friend: Clara Langdon. She is preceded in death by her first husband: Ernie Davis; one son: Ernest (Jay) Davis; and two daughters: Marie Hovey and Mary Harris; as well as five brothers and one sister.

Visitation will be Tuesday, May 11, 5:00 - 8:00 PM at Barnett-Lewis Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, May 12, 10:00 AM at St. Therese Church. Donations may be directed to the Dougherty Hospice House.