Arlene Kannas

Arlene Kannas, age 100, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at a care center in Watertown, SD. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown. Rev. Kuckhahn will officiate.

Visitation will be at the St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. prior to service.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Active pallbearers will be Larin Bunde, Jared Beskow, Larry Kannas, and Allen Kannas. 

Arlene was born on February 7, 1925, to Harry and Mathilda Stein in Watertown. Arlene attended grade school at Rauville and graduated from Watertown High School in 1942.

In 1943 she began working at First Citizens National Bank until her marriage in 1946.

On February 11, 1946, Arlene married Donald Kannas, who had returned from World War II. They were married at St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Watertown, where they were lifelong members. Arlene and her husband, Donald, began their life together farming north of Watertown. In November 1946, Arlene was stricken with polio but recovered very well. The couple later spent many years wintering in Florida, eventually moving there permanently for their final five years before retirement.

Donald and Arlene greatly enjoyed traveling together throughout their lives. Their journeys included trips across the United States as well as Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Australia, the Philippine Islands, and the Caribbean. Upon retirement in 1976, they returned to Watertown, where they spent their summers, while continuing to winter in Florida.

Arlene was a member of St. Martin’s Lutheran Church and found joy in gardening, fishing, playing cards, and visiting with friends.

Arlene is survived by her daughter, Linda Kannas Peterson of Burlington, North Carolina, and three grandchildren: Jennifer (Jeff) Hawkins, Allison Peterson, and Lee Peterson (Jessica).

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Kannas, sister Eleanore Bunde, and her parents.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

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