Walter was born June 26, 1924, at Bixby, SD, to Peter and Katherine (Sperle) Kari. He graduated from Bison High School

Walter married Tillie Luvern Rogers on November 14, 1948, at Strool, SD. Their son, Randy, was born December 6, 1949. They ranched northwest of Faith, SD, for 16 years, then moved into Faith in 1964 so Randy could attend high school. They owned and operated the Star-Lite motel in Faith for the next 23 years. In 1988, Walter and Luvern retired to Sturgis, SD, where they resided until 2008, when they moved to Spearfish, SD, for health reasons.

Walter loved ranching, hunting and fishing, trapping, and the outdoors. His favorite rifle was the 30-40 Krag.

Walter James Kari, 92, Spearfish, died Thursday, May 11, 2017, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Survivors include his son, Randy (Kay) Kari; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild; brothers, John Kari and Raymond Kari; and sisters, Velma Johnson and Kathryn Schlosser.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife in 2016; two sisters; and two brothers.

Visitation will be 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father John Paul Trask officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the Shriners Crippled Children's Hospitals.


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