DORIS KULHAVY

Doris Kulhavy, age 94, of Colman, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls. Doris was born on November 11, 1931, in Springfield, to Herbert and Fern Fitch (Lange). She spent her life devoted to her family, her work, her community and her faith. Doris wore many hats throughout her life. She began her career as a country school teacher in the Avon area where she met and married Bob Kulhavy. After moving to Colman, they started Bob’s Main Service where she was the bookkeeper for many years. She was an active member of the Colman United Methodist Church teaching Sunday school and participating in UMW. After the station closed, she was a cashier at the Colman grocery store, bookkeeper for the Colman Golf Course and lastly a custodian at Jerry’s Electric in Colman. But above all else, Doris was the proudest of being a mom; supporting her children and their activities over the years. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—having friends over for coffee, studying the Bible, spending time with family, celebrating Christmas, visiting with loved ones, sitting in the sun, rocking in her chair, feeding the birds, and sharing laughter. She dearly loved her pets and fur grand-dogs, accepting all of their kisses. She kept active in the community throughout the years with the American Auxiliary, UMW, golf, local grand-friends, selling poppies for Memorial Day, and writing in calligraphy, just to name a few. Doris is survived by her daughter, Tami (Tim) Mashek of Sioux Falls; sons Robert Kulhavy of Sioux Falls, and Cliff (Mary) Kulhavy of Omaha, NE; sister Yvonne (Keith) Franke of Belle Fourche; and brother Derald (Shirley) Fitch of Lombard, IL. Seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Carl Kulhavy; children, Ronald Kulhavy, Sally Kulhavy, and Jody Kulhavy; grandson, Mark Kulhavy; parents, Herbert and Fern(Lange) Fitch; in laws Charles and Freida(Nieman) Kulhavy; sisters, Geraldine Fitch and Diane Knigge; infant twin sisters, Judy and Shirley Fitch; and daughter-in-law, Danette Kulhavy (Mishou). Visitation was held Sunday, December 21 at Skroch Funeral Home in Colman. A Celebration of Life service was held Monday, December 22 at the United Methodist Church in Chester. Interment was in Wagner. Doris will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.