A Brutally Honest Obituary Sparks Controversy

When a loved one passes away, families often take on the responsibility of writing an obituary—a heartfelt tribute meant to honor the deceased. While most are filled with warmth and admiration, not every family chooses to present an idealized version of their loved one’s life.

In some cases, obituaries reflect raw honesty, revealing deep-seated emotions and unresolved family conflicts.

An Obituary Unlike Any Other

Obituaries are usually published in newspapers and online, making them accessible to hundreds or even thousands of readers. This particular obituary, written for Kathleen Dehmlow, took a highly unconventional approach.

At first glance, it appeared to be a standard tribute—until the tone shifted dramatically, exposing long-standing family tensions. The unexpected conclusion left many readers shocked, amused, or unsettled.

Public Reaction and Removal

Published by The Redwood Falls Gazette, the obituary quickly gained attention. Backlash poured in, leading to its removal. However, by then, it had already circulated widely.

A family member, Dwight, later confirmed the obituary’s authenticity. He acknowledged that Kathleen had made a serious mistake six decades ago but insisted that she had since expressed regret.

Despite this, the author of the obituary chose to highlight the bitterness that remained, ensuring it would leave a lasting impact.

A Debate Over Ethics

Some questioned whether such a harsh obituary should have been published at all. The newspaper’s CEO responded, stating that there were no legal restrictions preventing its publication. However, due to the significant backlash, the editorial team conducted a thorough review of the piece.

At this point, you’re probably curious about what was written. We’ve got you covered—read the full obituary below!

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