Carl E. Killion

Carl E. Killion, age 76, of Kranzburg, SD, passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Watertown American Legion Post #17. Pastor Aaron Asmus will officiate.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard.

Carl was born on October 7, 1949, in Fedora, SD, to Rexford and Wilma Killion. He lived in Fedora until he finished the first grade before moving to Madison, SD. He attended Washington grade school until eighth grade, and graduated from Madison Central High School in 1968.

Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force on March 3, 1969 and served until February 25, 1973. Carl was stationed across Europe. After leaving the Air Force he attended Lake Area Vocational Technical School for Building Trades, graduating in 1975. Following graduation Carl started Killion Construction, where he specialized in home remodel and home improvement.

On June 19, 1976, Carl married Kathleen Stupey in Watertown, S.D. Following marriage Carl and Kathy initially lived in Watertown, relocating to Kranzburg in 1977 where they would spend the next 50 years. To this marriage two sons were born Ryan and Jesse.

In November 1977 Carl enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard, joining HHB 2/147th FA as a NBC NCO. Later in this military career Carl attended another school earning him another specialty as a Cannon Crewmember, being transferred to B Btry 2/147th FA. Carl always said he had found his home in the Field Artillery on those big 8 inch howitzers. He especially took pride in mentoring those young soldiers to make them future leaders. Carl retired at the rank of Sargent First Class in February 1996. But not before he had the pleasure of being his son’s platoon Sergeant.

He was a lifelong member of the American Legion, La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (40/8, VFW, DAV, and the VVA. Carl held numerous positions at that post level within the American Legion to include Commander (1994), Executive Board, House Chairman, Honor Guard.  Carl was very active in the 40/8 holding many positions at the locale, Grande and Nationale levels. He was most proud of his time as the Grand Chef de Gare (State Commander) 2014 and 2017 and Sous Nationale Membership Director 2023-2024.

Carl loved working in his wood shop making Furniture and intarsias wood art. He was an avid outdoorsman, going fishing year-round to the lake. Whether rain, or heat Carl could be found looking for a fish.  He also enjoyed hunting deer, ducks, and pheasants with his brother earlier in life and later with his sons. He also enjoyed going camping with his family, although the trips were few when he was still in the army guard. As he said he had all the camping he needed for the year during annual training. Carl was also well know for his cucumbers, tomatoes, and other produce that he grew in his vegetable garden. Always giving the produce away to follow veterans and people that needed it.

Carl is survived by his wife, Kathleen; two sons, Ryan (Holly) Killion of Dell Rapids, SD;  Jesse (Stephaine) Killion of Yankton, S.D; five grandchildren: Kent, Hunter, Drake, Beau and Juliet; two brothers, Darrel Killion and Perry Killion both of Madison, SD and nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, niece Megan, sister-in-law Fawn.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel of Watertown and Hayti

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