Margaret “Peggy” Jane (Keown) Kuharski of Rapid City passed away peacefully on January 3, 2020. Peggy spread love and kindness everywhere she touched, and will be sorely missed by friends, neighbors and especially by her immediate family.
Peggy was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on January 14, 1923. She graduated from Loretta Heights High School in Denver, Colorado and the University of Oregon with a degree in Microbiology. Peggy was also an accomplished musician. She played the cello, violin, piano and organ. She was often requested to play for school and church functions and did so gladly. Peggy and Robert (Bob) Kuharski were married on July 8, 1950 and they were each other’s soul mates and weathered many storms together.
Peggy worked in Colorado Springs, Colorado health department laboratories as well as the Pennington County Health Department lab. She is credited with co-writing a scientific paper in 1946 titled “Saccharose-fermenting Diphtheria Bacilli with Ms. Evelyn Mauss, Division of Laboratories, State Board of Health.” In addition to her professional career, Peggy and Bob ventured into raising/training greyhounds, dairy farming and were owner/operators of “ Lake Haven” a restaurant near the Pactola reservoir. Peggy was head cook and bottle washer and was admired by the local lumber jacks, bikers and regulars for her cuisine and her ever present smile and giving nature.
Peggy is survived by her children; Karen (Teddy) Hustead, Curren (Nancy) Kuharski, Kathy Kuharski, Donald Kuharski, Pat (Robbie) Kuharski, Cheryl (Brian) Fenske, Mitch (Ann) Kuharski, David (Maria) Kuharski, Mary (Bobby) Brogdon. Peggy had 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
As with all children who adore their parent, we thought Peggy was enchanted and would never pass. She will forever be remembered for her love of God, her patience with her children, and her love of animals, but first and foremost her humility. She was our friend, our Mother our Queen.
Cards and condolences may be sent to Karen Hustead, P.O. Box 134, Wall, SD 57790.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Rapid City Humane Society in memory of Peggy Kuharski.
Private family interment will be held at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City, and a celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
Guest Book
SD
~ Mary Brogdon
RAPID CITY (1/3/2020)
Dearest friend Karen, Ted and Family
We are thinking of you and sending you love and prayers. She was so very special on Earth, and has a special place awaiting her in Heaven. We love you
~ Lisa and Mike Modrick
Rapid City, South Dakota (1/5/2020)
South Dakota
~ Norman Thomas
Black Hawk (1/5/2020)
Peggy and Mom (Rosemary Huggins) were hallway neighbors at Good Samaritan/New Underwood, SD. We always enjoyed seeing Peggy and her family.
~ Bill Huggins & Family
Rapid City, SD (1/5/2020)
MT
~ Kathy Kuharski
Bozeman (1/3/2020)
I hope Dad was waiting for you at the Pearly gates to dance your socks off!! Love you Mom. XOXX
~ Karen Hustead
Wall,SD (1/3/2020)
Karen and family, I am saddened to read that your mom passed away. I can only imagine what fun Bob and her will share in Heaven. Hold the many fond memories close to your heart. I have lots of them. So kind and caring! Hugs to you.
~ Stacy (Radway) Dole
Pierre (1/3/2020)
Karen and Family
Sorry to hear of your mother's death. You will have a lot of memories to remember her by. God Bless You and your siblings Cathy and I are in Northern Florida at the present time enjoying our traveling. Take care will you when we return.
~ Van & Cathy Simpfenderfer
Wall, SD (1/4/2020)
Karen and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Remember you telling us of all the fun times with her. May God be with you in these days and forever.
~ Ester and Gene Johannesen
Wall, SD (1/4/2020)
Kathy and family, sorry to read the news about Peggy. While I didn't know her, I can say hers was the definition of a life well lived. May you know comfort and have many good memories at this time.
~ Todd Phillips
Summerset, SD (1/5/2020)
Karen and family: So sorry for your loss. I remember some fun times when your Mom was either at Lake Haven or with us. I remember the time we went to the Greyhound races and when I went to drop you off at Baken Park, the police stopped me for going too fast through the parking lot. I also remember going to a Christmas Eve service at Bethlehem Cave with you and your parents. I remember your Mom inviting me to your family home for Christmas when I had no where else to go. And, of course, I remember all of the good times at Lake Haven. Your Mom was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. My condolences to you and our family.
~ Sandy Wahl Perovich
Rapid City, SD (1/6/2020)
My hope is to see you at the finish line
~ Patrick Kuharski
Sacramento California (1/3/2020)
I remember one day when Peggy was feeling pretty good we got her to play for us at Good Sam. It was a classical piece she had memorized. I would have loved to hear her in her prime. May she rest in peace, Fr. Kerry
~ Fr. Kerry Prendiville
Rapid City (1/9/2020)
Prayers for your family. Love you much.
~ Kitty Dodd
Bowling Green my 42103 (1/4/2020)
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. What a wonderful life she had! May God Bless
~ Alvin and Donna
Wall (1/6/2020)
Karen & Family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
~ Dick & Pam Johnson
Wall, Sd (1/4/2020)