Kurt Francis Permann

Kurt Francis Permann was born in Hoven, South Dakota on St. Patrick's Day (March 17, 1945) to Melbert and Irene (Reuer) Permann. He lived on the family farm near Hoven and attended grade school in Lowry. He graduated from Selby High School in 1963. He was a four-year honor student and graduated fourth in his high school class. He began his college education at South Dakota State University and later transferred to Northern State College. He still refers to Northern as his educational home. He majored in Social Science with a minor in Physical Education. He graduated in 1968. He taught in McGrath, Minnesota; East Lyman; Springview, Nebraska; and White River. He was then hired by his former Hoven American Legion baseball coach, Redfield Superintendent, Don Meyer. He taught in Redfield until his retirement. He was an educator for thirty-eight years - most of those years teaching his favorite subjects: American History and American Government. For nine of those years he also served in some capacity as a guidance counselor. He was proud to have been a lifelong member of The South Dakota Education Association and The National Education Association. Kurt also coached many sports during his educational career.
In 1982, he married Aileen (Mikki) Frankenstein. (AKA Mrs. Frankenstein) The ceremony took place August 7th (which was also Kurt's dad's birthday) on a beautiful day at Lake Hiddenwood near Selby. Yes, attendees DID have to pay the park fee to witness the event! Mikki was a vocal music/secondary English educator and an itinerant speech pathologist spanning forty years.
Baseball played a huge role in Kurt's life. He and Mikki had to get married. (between two baseball games) Kurt played Little League in Gettysburg, South Dakota and American Legion Baseball in Hoven. He began his amateur career in 1962 with the Lowry town team where he was proud to have played with his father, Melbert. He then played with Hoven and Selby and finished his amateur career as one of the coaches of the WINNING Redfield Dairy Queen team. While playing with the Selby Lakers, he was named to the state all-tourney team. He was able to PITCH and WIN baseball games in 6 consecutive decades. He only dreamed of a 7th. Kurt was a devout Atlanta Braves fan. (in part because Lowry residents could only "pull in" the Milwaukee Braves back in 50s-the days of black and white, snow dappled television) He never gave up on the Minnesota Twins or the Vikings. Kurt's boyhood baseball idol was Hank Aaron. Kurt also played a mean third base fast pitch softball position for several teams. He traveled to Arizona three times to play with amateur teams in the "over sixty" league.
Kurt credits his mom and dad for teaching him the game of baseball AND the game of life. He was confirmed in the Lowry Lutheran Church. He gives Mikki credit for allowing him to keep baseball and continuing education (often via trivia and travel) as two of his earthly priorities. He never missed his daily Bible study or the Jeopardy television show.
Mikki often said that Kurt had taken her "around the world"– from a Hazeltine PGA practice round, through the Panama Canal, to many places in the Caribbean, around the Inside Alaskan Passage, and to Hawaii, Rome, Barcelona, Venice, Paris, London, Jamaica, Boston, Java, Akaska, Lowry, New York, The Mardi Gras, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Sedona, Mesa, The West Coast Sea Shore Drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco, and up Route 66. Also to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlanta (More than once!!), Cooperstown, three of those "See nine major league stadiums in thirteen days" bus deals, (which Mikki survived), the St Laurence Seaway, China, Prince Edward Island, Minneapolis (many times), and most recently an historic bus trip starting in New Orleans and continuing through Texas to the River Walk. Their first date was in Kurt's boat on the Missouri hunting rocks and proclaiming priceless "worked" agates. The Missouri was their favorite "hangout." They even played scrabble on board while waiting for the sunsets. Africa and the European river cruise will just have to wait!
Kurt served as president of the Redfield Education Association; He served on the board of directors of the Peterson/Bahde apartments, and also served as president of that board; He was a member of the Redfield Baseball Association and the Fisher Grove golf club; He loved the senior golf league. He is a member of the Redfield First Congregational United Church of Christ and has served on several church boards. He was proud to have contributed to many local projects including improvements at the Redfield baseball complex, the Fisher Grove golf club, and Redfield's Community Memorial Hospital. He was affectionately called "The can man" for his nearly daily recycling of aluminum and using most of the money for charitable purposes. Excluding aluminum, the total of his "found" money is $1145.78. (of which he thinks Mikki lost most) It would not be a surprise to have him turn around and pay the "next-in-line's" grocery tab. He loved the Aberdeen Area Community Theatre productions as well as the Redfield art and music productions.
Kurt spent his leisure time reading EVERYTHING in the newspaper, caring for his yard, playing jeopardy AGAINST his wife, watching sports on HIS Turtle Creek patio (sometimes with two television sets blaring), pampering his pets, appreciating nature's sounds, and substitute teaching. Mikki and Kurt are strong supporters of Northern State University academics and athletics. He drove his cars until they fell apart, he abhorred "throw-away" mentalities, and he was not particularly fond of conversation without substance.
Kurt is survived by his wife, Mikki, of Redfield; his sister Bonnie (Bob) Schilling of Mobridge; his nephew, Brig (Mary) Schilling of Sioux Falls; Two great nephews, Logan Schilling of Aberdeen and Cole Schilling of Sioux Falls; and one great niece, Elizabeth Schilling also of Sioux Falls. There are too many to count on Mikki's side of the family.
Kurt's parents preceded him in death. His body was cremated, and his corneas donated. His ashes will be scattered at a later time. Kurt died on September 19, 2020 at Redfield's Community Memorial Hospital. He and RBG are now sharing great politics. A service of life celebration will be held in conjunction with a Redfield Amateur baseball game in 2021. Hotdogs will be served, and our friend, Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord will officiate.
Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen.

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