Jaycees State President Kate Spaeth Passes Away Unexpectedly

Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Detroit Lakes community, along with JCI Minnesota, is mourning the loss of one of the beacons of volunteerism in the community, Kate Spaeth.

Spaeth passed away unexpectedly on Saturday while attending the JCI Minnesota Annual Convention Celebration, where she was to ceremonially assume the mantle of the organization’s 91st state president.

“There are no words to describe Kate’s passing or what she meant to JCI Minnesota and its members.” JCI Minnesota said in a press release. “Everyone that President Kate met was a friend.”

Kate was born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She graduated from DeVry University in 2022, where she studied marketing analysis. She worked as the manager and tax preparer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. Kate also worked at MidMinnesota Federal Credit Union and Norby’s Department Store. 

Kate dedicated her days to serving the DL Community. She joined the DL Jaycees in 2015 and quickly became the heart of the group. She held many positions including local chapter president, and also served as Admiral of the Water Carnival. She tirelessly led the MN Jaycees. In every effort, she served with a smile and kind words to all. Most of all, she wanted everyone to have a great time.

Friends of Spaeth in Detroit Lakes are already preparing to offer a scholarship in her memory and started a GoFundMe to accept donations.