Mary Kaye Freese, age 80, of South Shore and formerly of Huron, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Huron. Visitation, with her family present, will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron. A scripture service and rosary will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday morning at the church.

Mary Kathleen, affectionately known as Mary Kaye, was the first child born to James and Mary Eileen (Maguire) Coughlin in Huron. She grew up in Huron attending St. Theresa's catholic school and graduating from Huron High School.

A chance encounter at the Cub Lunch café in 1963, led Mary Kaye to the love of her life, LaVerne Freese. The couple married at St. Martin Church on October 10, 1964 and to this union, three children were born, Don, Lisa, and Doug.

To call Mary Kaye a cook and baker would be putting it lightly, Mary Kaye worked at over 21 various establishments in Huron, most notably at the Plains for 18 years. She ran the dining room and banquet hall---serving thousands of delicious meals over the years. Many people requested her soups and salads that she would happily make. Her last employment was at Washington Elementary school where she loved to feed the children daily. On February 14, 2023 Mary Kaye suffered a stroke while at work and this began a series of medical events. Through it all, her superman caregiver, LaVerne, was by her side. Mary Kaye and LaVerne made the decision to move in with Douglas and Michele in May of 2024.

Mary Kaye was a devoted member of St. Martin's and Holy Trinity Parishes. She was a member of the Altar Society where she made rolls every Sunday for after mass at St. Martin's.

Mary Kaye and LaVerne loved traveling and camping, with Lake Thompson holding a special place in their hearts. They cherished time spent visiting family, and once their grandchildren arrived, they found great joy in attending their activities and sharing special moments with them.

Grateful for sharing in her life is her husband, LaVerne of South Shore and formerly of Huron; her children and grandchildren;  son Don (Denise) Freese of Huron and their daughter, Kari Mumbulo; daughter Lisa (Steve) Schanbacher of Seymour, MO and children, Kelsey Christianson and Emma Christianson; son Douglas (Michele) Freese of South Shore and their children, Jenna (Aaron) Volzke and Caitlin (Tommy) Riley; 6 great-grandchildren, 5 great step grandchildren and 1 great-great step grandson.

Mary Kaye's siblings, Bill (Mary) Coughlin of Nevada, Patty (Dave) Jenkins of Brandon, John (Dawn) Coughlin of Huron, Margaret (Mike) Jungemann of Watertown, Jim (Annie) Coughlin of Arizona, and Kathy Coughlin of Huron; and many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Pat Pagel of Huron and brother-in-law Victor Freese of Texas, and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law George and Mary Freese, brother-in-law Francis Freese and several aunts and uncles.