ESTHERVILLE — Kathleen “Kathy” Jasper, 91, a longtime Estherville resident whose life was shaped by family, faith and a distinguished nursing career at Holy Family Hospital, died Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Estherville hospital where she had spent more than three decades caring for others.
A visitation will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel, 401 North 7th Street in Estherville. A rosary will precede the visitation at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home chapel, with everyone welcome to attend.
A funeral service will take place Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 903 Central Avenue in Estherville. Her final resting place will be St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Estherville.
Kathleen’s life began under memorable circumstances on December 3, 1934, when a blizzard forced her birth to take place at home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Born to Edward and Sarah (Sullivan) Naughton, she was the fourth of ten children in a large family where hard work and close relationships would become lifelong values.
She attended Cathedral School in Sioux Falls and graduated from high school in 1953. On September 8, 1956, she married Roland “Rollie” Jasper, beginning a partnership centered on family and faith.
Together, they raised five children: Patrick, Bernard, Gail, Frances and Alice. In 1964, the family relocated from Sioux Falls to Estherville, settling at 308 North 7th Street, where Kathleen established the home that would become the center of countless family memories.
For many years, Kathleen devoted herself to raising her children and managing the family household. Once her children were attending school, she pursued a new calling in healthcare, becoming a registered nurse during the summer of 1977.
Known for her work in cardiac care, Kathleen served patients at Holy Family Hospital for 22 years before continuing another decade as a part-time nurse following her retirement. Her nursing career reflected the compassion, determination and dedication that characterized her approach to life.
Kathleen and Rollie were active members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Beyond their commitment to their church and community, they enjoyed golfing, traveling and building lasting friendships.
Following Rollie’s death on October 31, 2005, Kathleen embraced another chapter of life filled with companionship and activity. She participated in the Rusty Hinges Swim Group, belonged to two book clubs, attended gatherings with fellow nurses and treasured the friendships of a special Friday coffee group.
Her creativity and practical talents were equally remarkable. Kathleen continued sewing, knitting and quilting well into her nineties. Her children fondly recalled the clothing and doll outfits she lovingly made for them over the years.
She also enjoyed baking, with family and friends benefiting from her work in the kitchen. Her garden remained a source of pride well into her eighties, producing vegetables she preserved through canning and shared in homemade meals throughout the year.
Family was always at the heart of Kathleen’s life. She is survived by her five children: Patrick Jasper of Cary, Illinois; Bernard Jasper and Mary White of Fullerton, California; Gail Jasper of Estherville; Frances and Kurt Pytleski of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Alice and Jeff Dahir of Omaha, Nebraska.
Her ten grandchildren are Jessica (Daniel) Braley of Carmel, Indiana; Anthony Jasper and Tommy Moyer of Lake in the Hills, Illinois; Rachel Jasper of Fullerton, California; Erin (Brenton) Bishop of San Francisco, California; John R. Jasper of Fullerton, California; Craig (Megan) Pytleski and Eleanor (John) Larsen of Lincoln, Nebraska; Andrew (Meghan) Dahir of Kansas City, Missouri; Kalan (Edward) Walters of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Joseph (Hannah) Dahir of Omaha, Nebraska.
She also leaves thirteen great-grandchildren: Madeline and Theodore Braley; Henry, Joseph, Peter, Andrew, Elizabeth and John Pytleski; Norah and Bella Larsen; Emma Dahir; Nellie Bishop; and Regan Walters.
Additional survivors include four siblings, Thomas Naughton, Sister Sarah Naughton, John (Phoebe) Naughton and Mary (Rob) Glover; three in-laws, Jack Jasper, LeRoy Jasper and Rachel Jasper; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Roland; daughter-in-law, Julia Linn Jasper; her parents and parents-in-law; and several siblings and their spouses.
Through her devotion to nursing, her involvement in her church, her lifelong friendships and the love she shared with generations of family, Kathleen leaves a legacy of service and perseverance. Those closest to her will carry forward the lessons she demonstrated throughout her life: work hard, cherish family, nurture friendships, remain faithful and finish what you begin.
Family and friends may share memories and condolences through Henry-Olson Funeral Home’s obituary and tribute page.
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