Caroline Titze

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Caroline E. Titze, 90, of Brandon, SD and formerly of Gettysburg, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Bethany Home, Brandon, with family by her side.

A funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Gettysburg, with Rev. David Otten presiding. Burial will follow in the Lebanon Cemetery. A prayer service will be 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 16, at the church, with visitation one-hour prior.

Caroline E. Steensen was born October 2, 1935, to Chris Jason and Elsie Doretta (Langbehn) Steensen.  She grew up on a farm one mile south of Copp School. Caroline attended elementary school at Copp School and graduated from Gettysburg High School. During high school she stayed at Mrs. Gidley’s boarding house where she became lifelong friends with the Gidley girls. They kept in touch by writing round-robin letters.

Upon graduation she began working at the ASC office. At that time, she also began seeing Kenneth Titze, they married in 1954. In 1960 they purchased a home in Lebanon, SD. To this union were born Karen, Kevin, Kendell, twins Karma and Karl, and Kurt. Caroline went back to work in 1976 working at Peavey Elevator and then at the County Auditor’s office. In 1984 she ran for the County Treasurer position and started a five-year career as the Potter County Treasurer. Upon retiring due to health, Caroline joined Lebanon coffee bunch and had coffee nearly every morning at the Long Branch with a wonderful group of friends.

Caroline was a member of Christ Lutheran Ladies Aide, and a member of the Lebanon Legion Auxiliary and also served as sexton for the Lebanon Cemetery.

After Kenneth passed away in 2009, their house was sold and Caroline moved to Gettysburg. There she met many new friends as well as renewing old friendships. Caroline enjoyed playing cards, birthday parties, Bible study, coffee at the bakery, quilting and getting together for suppers.

In her retirement, she took trips with special friend Darlene Potts to Alaska, the east coast, and Branson, Missouri.   Caroline visited Yellowstone with friend Donna (Hoffman) Wilson. She enjoyed visiting on multiple occasions her brother Marven and family in Elko, Nevada.

Grateful for sharing her life are her children: Karen (Rick) Michels, Belle Fourche, Kendell (Pam) Titze, Aberdeen, Karma (Shane) Muller, Crooks, Karl (Sondra) Titze, Sioux Falls, and Kurt Titze, Sioux Falls,  and bonus daughter Patti Yenni, Sioux Falls; brother, Marven (Karen) Steensen, Elko Nevada; grandchildren: Ryan (Shantell) Harsh, Erica (AJ) Schenkel, Shane Titze, Kendra (Mark) Hanley, Gavin Muller, Arielle (Justin) Pudenz, Karson (Kenda) Titze, Jordan (Johanna Baker) Titze, Bree Titze and Brynn Titze; fourteen great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and friends.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Kenneth; son Kevin; parents, Chris and Elsie (Langbehn) Steensen; in-laws, Carl and Clara (Kursave) Titze; brothers and sisters-in-law: Verna (Walt) Huebner, Lola (Alfred) Cermak, Bernice Koch, Calvin (Ruth) Titze, Ralland (Judy) Titze, Maybelle (Ken) Wilson, Beverly (Jess) Thompson, and Donald and Norman Titze; and several nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Patti Yennie for taking mom in as your bonus mom and giving of your time. Mom loved you as her own daughter.

A grateful thank you to the staff at Bethany Home and Avera Hospice – your love and compassionate care for mom was above and beyond.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Caroline’s arrangements.