By Robert Williams

Editor

Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank was shot in the line of duty in Sioux Falls Friday, Oct. 9 and passed away, a victim of those wounds, three days later. 

Deputy Sheriff Frank had local ties.

Katherine was the daughter of Pastor Steven Frank of St. Paul’s Loon Lake Lutheran Church in Vergas and wife Janette. Katherine was 26-years-old.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., on Friday, Oct. 9, Deputy Sheriff Frank and two other deputies responded to a mental illness hold call on Brandon John Oetken, 39, at a residence on the west edge of Sioux Falls. 

Allegedly, Oetken opened fire on the three deputies 30 minutes after their arrival, striking Deputy Frank, while also being struck by gunfire himself.

Aid was administered to Deputy Sheriff Frank at the scene and she was transported to a local hospital, where she remained in critical condition until succumbing to her wounds Monday, Oct. 12.

Oetken was also treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital. 

According to updated court documents, Oetken is charged with:

• One count of Premeditated First-Degree Murder of a law enforcement officer (eligible for the death penalty)

• One count of Depraved-Mind Second-Degree Murder of a law enforcement officer

• Two counts of Attempted First-Degree Murder of a law enforcement officer

• Seven counts of Aggravated Assault against a law enforcement officer

Oetken is being held in the Minnehaha County Jail in Sioux Falls on a $3 million cash-only bond.

Deputy Sheriff Frank served with the Minnehaha Sheriff’s Office for nearly two and a half years. She worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary two years prior.

As of Friday, Oct. 16, nearly $100,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe account in Deputy Frank’s honor: https://gofund.me/471304481

The Minnehaha County Deputies Association organized the fundraiser to support Katherine’s family – “Our hope is to ease some of the financial burdens so her loved ones can focus on one another as they navigate this heartbreaking loss,” the GoFundMe reads.

In the fundraiser post, Katherine is described as a beloved sister, daughter, granddaughter, girlfriend, and friend. Her family describes her as incredibly funny and someone who gets along with just about everybody. Outside of work, she enjoyed spending time with her two dogs, Ares and Aspen, reading, cooking, and playing video games. 

Katherine leaves behind her parents, five siblings ages 28, 24, 23, 21, and 15; her grandparents, Dan and Deb; her boyfriend, Austin; and her beloved dogs.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden released a statement on Facebook, “Sandy and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank, who was shot in the line of duty. Please join us in praying for her family and friends — and for all those who put their lives in harm’s way to keep our state strong, safe, and free.”

Rhoden ordered flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in honor of Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Ann Frank and to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Oct. 18 and on Monday, Oct. 19, the day of her funeral services.

Representative Dusty Johnson also commented publicly via social media, “I’m praying for the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Katherine Frank. Her passing is tragic. I’m grateful for her service and join in honoring her sacrifice.”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, “The South Dakota law enforcement community suffered a great loss today. Kimberley and my thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Frank’s loved ones and colleagues during this extremely difficult time.”

Public messages of support and empathy were also posted by Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson and South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley.

A funeral service for Deputy Frank was held Monday, Oct. 19, at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. A visitation service was held Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson, Minn. A private family burial will take place following the Tuesday visitation.