This Obituary Started Normal… Then Took a Shocking Turn
When a loved one passes away, families often gather to write heartfelt obituaries—tributes filled with fond memories and kind words.
But not every farewell follows that script.
In one particularly unusual case from Minnesota, the obituary for Kathleen Dehmlow, published in The Redwood Falls Gazette, shocked readers with its blunt honesty.
What started out as a seemingly traditional tribute quickly took a sharp turn, revealing years of unresolved family conflict in just a few striking sentences.
The obituary, written by Dehmlow’s two adult children, highlighted painful chapters of the family’s past.
While many obituaries aim to celebrate life, this one chose to confront it—with raw, unapologetic detail.
The closing line in particular stunned readers, drawing both criticism and curiosity from across the internet.
The obituary was eventually pulled by the local newspaper due to public backlash, but not before it was widely shared online.
Some questioned its authenticity, prompting a response from the newspaper’s founder, who confirmed its publication and defended the decision by citing freedom of speech and editorial transparency.
A relative later offered a more forgiving perspective, noting that Dehmlow had expressed remorse for past mistakes, emphasizing that everyone deserves grace.
However, the obituary’s author felt it necessary to share their truth, however uncomfortable it might be.
This extraordinary obituary serves as a reminder that not all families find closure in the same way—and that honesty, even in grief, can spark a broader conversation about forgiveness, legacy, and the stories we choose to tell.
Curious about what it said? The full obituary is available for those who wish to read it in its entirety.
