Inside the funeral honoring Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Frank

Hundreds of law enforcement officers, first responders, elected officials and community members gathered Monday to honor Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank — the 26-year-old deputy who was killed earlier this month while responding to a call in Sioux Falls.

The funeral service at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center brought together law enforcement personnel from across the region and state leaders, including South Dakota’s congressional delegation and their representatives, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Sen. Mike Rounds, Gov. Larry Rhoden and first lady Sandy Rhoden, Attorney General Marty Jackley, Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson and former Mayor Paul TenHaken.

Frank was shot Oct. 9 while responding with two other deputies to a residence in Sioux Falls to serve a mental health hold.

Authorities say Brandon John Oetken, 39, produced a handgun and fired at the deputies as they stood near the home’s entryway. After Frank was struck at close range, another deputy returned fire, striking Oetken, according to the court documents.

Frank died three days later. Oetken remains in police custody.

Oetken, of Sioux Falls, initially faced three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and three counts of aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer. After Frank’s death, prosecutors added charges of premeditated first-degree murder and depraved-mind second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, along with additional aggravated assault counts, according to updated court documents.

Her death sparked a wave of outpouring from county residents, fellow officers and South Dakotans at large. A memorial outside the Sioux Falls Law Enforcement Center set up Oct. 12 — the day her death was pronounced — quickly filled with flowers, balloons, candles and handwritten notes.

The tributes extended beyond Sioux Falls. More than 100 law enforcement officers lined the route as Frank’s body was transported from Sanford Health to a funeral home, according to The Dakota Scout. Residents and organizations from other communities also offered condolences and support to her family.

A fundraiser organized by the Minnehaha County Deputies Association collected donations for Frank’s loved ones. By Sunday, Oct. 18, more than $100,000 had been raised. The effort reflected the broad response to the loss of an officer whose family described her as “incredibly funny” and someone who got along with just about everybody.

Gov. Rhoden ordered flags across South Dakota to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Sunday and Monday in Frank’s honor.

Frank also became an organ donor, extending her legacy of service beyond her death, the sheriff’s office said.

Frank is survived by her parents, five siblings, her grandparents, her boyfriend and her dog.

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