Following a lifetime of service to others, Kathleen "Kate" Heligas, Sioux Falls, SD, passed away June 17, 2025, at Dougherty Hospice in Sioux Falls. She was 84.

Kathleen "Kate" Heligas, the daughter of Loren and Marie (Phelan) Anderson was born in her grandmother's house in Currie, Minnesota, on September 24, 1940. She was raised in Jackson, MN where she graduated from Jackson High School in 1958. Kathleen went on to graduate from Saint Mary's School of Nursing in Rochester MN as a Registered Nurse in 1962.

Kathleen was married to Leo Heligas in Jackson, MN, December 1962 and moved to Sioux Falls, where she started her career and family. Her professional career included several leadership positions as a Registered Nurse at Sioux Valley (Sanford) Hospital, Executive Director of the South Dakota Nurses Association, and finally as the Executive Manager of Project CAR. She retired at the young age of 80.

Kathleen "Kate" Heligas was a master of crossword puzzles—or so her family lovingly believed. During her chemotherapy treatments, she often brought several along, working on them side by side with her granddaughter to pass the time. That spirit of shared challenge extended to her grandsons as well, who tackled home projects with pride, knowing they were "for Grandma."

Kate was also a gifted cook with a zest for trying new recipes. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and celebration, and she delighted in cooking for guests and family alike. When spring and summer arrived, Kate turned her attention to flowers. Selecting blooms for her many pots on the deck was a cherished tradition—no two arrangements were ever the same, but each was brimming with color and care.

Her life was marked by intentional service to others. While raising a family and working full-time, Kate found time to give countless volunteer hours to various nonprofit organizations. Her core belief—do what needs to be done, and have fun doing it—shone through in everything she touched.

Survivors include her 3 children, Kelly Heligas and wife Cari of IL and TN, Lynne Miller and husband Paul, Sioux Falls and Lon Heligas of St Paul, MN; She was the proud grandmother of four: Henry and Andrew Heligas, Lauren and Daniel Miller; and she was also survived by her siblings, Marcia Thompson, Jean (Norlyn) Stowell, Rosemary Kodet, Patricia (Dan) Little, and Richard Anderson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Heligas; her parents; brothers Bert, Lon, and Jerry; and her brothers-in-law, John Thompson and Douglas Kodet.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the teams at the Avera Prairie Center, Hospice Home, and Dougherty House. Throughout her treatment, Kate was surrounded by care, dignity, and respect. Dr. Rojas, Amy, Mary, and the entire infusion team guided her through her cancer journey with such compassion—they will never be forgotten and remain forever in our hearts.

Memorials may be directed to the Avera Foundation in support of cancer research and hospice care, Project CAR,
and the Sioux Falls Humane Society.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Miller Funeral Home - Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue (81st and Minnesota Ave). The visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home - Downtown Chapel at 507 S. Main Ave.

Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, following a time of lunch and fellowship.