Funeral services for Karl H. Kaaz, age 101, of Watertown, SD, formerly Summit, SD, will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2011, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown.  Rev. Paul Janke will officiate.  Music will be provided by Carol Janke as organist with Brian Schwanz as soloist.  Karl passed away on Monday, May 23, 2011, at a care center in Watertown. 

     Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.  Pallbearers will be:  Tim Kaaz, Dan Kaaz, Bob Kaaz, Ronnie Kaaz, Ethan Fish, and Duane Fish.

     Visitation will be at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Friday.  The family is requested to meet at the church on Friday by 12:30 p.m. for a family prayer service.

     Karl was born on July 26, 1909, on the family farm in Lura Township, Grant County, SD, to Albert and Augusta (Thrun) Kaaz.  He was the seventh of 11 children.  He was baptized on August 29, 1909, and confirmed on December 7, 1924, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mazeppa Township. 

     On March 20, 1941, Karl married Rose Radtke at the St. Martin’s Lutheran parsonage in Watertown, SD.  The couple lived and farmed on the family farm.  Karl believed in working hard.  He enjoyed raising Hereford cattle and using his Allis-Chalmers tractors.  He was a firm believer of the Third Commandment and not working on Sundays.  Karl continued living on the farm until he was 92.

     He was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mazzeppa Township, where he served in various offices, including treasurer from 1973 to 1985.  Karl was presently a member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church.  At some time during his farming career, Karl served as assessor and supervisor of Lura Township.

     Karl is survived by two sons: Terry (Joan) Kaaz of Watertown, SD, and Darrold “Butch” (Judy) Kaaz of Summit, SD; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

     He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Rose, in 1995; four brothers: Fred, Otto, Edwin, and Elmer; and six sisters: Minnie Zirbel, Lena Monserud, Hilda Zirbel-Tesch, Anna Fish, Emma Mannie, and Clara Stadley.