Katie Lee Scharfe

BALATON — Celebration of Life for Katie Lee Scharfe, 41, of Balaton will take place Saturday in the gymnasium of the Iterro (former Tru Shrimp) building beginning at 3 p.m. Public visitation will begin two hours prior to the service. A reception will be held at the Balaton Community Center following the Celebration of Life.

Katie died Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice Facility in Sioux Falls, SD.

Katie Lee Scharfe was born Feb. 7, 1983, in Marshall, to Neal and Lesa (Swan) Scharfe. She grew up on the family farm South of Balaton, where she developed a lifelong love for animals and the outdoors. Katie graduated from Tracy-Milroy-Balaton High School in 2001 and went on to earn a degree in environmental engineering from Iowa State University. It was there she met Justin Schmidt, whom she married on April 18, 2009. Together, they built a life in the Twin Cities area and eventually realized Katie’s dream of owning a horse farm near Lakeville.

Katie found such joy on her farm, surrounded by her cherished horses and dogs. She delighted in sharing her passion for riding with others, especially children, often giving them their first ride and sparking a love for animals that mirrored her own. Above all, she especially cherished the time she spent with her beloved nieces and nephew.

Katie’s professional journey was marked by determination and success. Within just a few years, she established herself in her field and built a strong working relationship with her former boss, Bill McCarthy. When Bill launched his own environmental firm, Katie joined him as a senior consultant. In this role, she specialized in permitting work for oil and natural gas pipelines across Minnesota, Oklahoma, and North Dakota.

Katie was known for her intelligence, drive, and tireless work ethic. She dedicated countless hours to preparing reports and embarking on work trips, always striving for excellence. Alongside her hard work, Katie also found opportunities to enjoy work life, especially when she and Bill entertained clients at renowned golf tournaments worldwide. These included the Ryder Cup, The Open at St. Andrews, and multiple Masters tournaments, where her adventurous spirit shone through.

Katie was born with a love for the outdoors. She treasured hunting and fishing with her father and spending time riding horses and camping with her mother. She spent countless hours at the Henkel’s hanging out and learning the basics of horse ownership. Her bond with her horses, from her first horse, Ginger, to her spirit animal, Ray, was profound and enduring.

Katie will be remembered for her shining personality, her quick wit, and her ability to find humor in almost every situation. However, behind her vibrant spirit, Katie faced challenges with depression, anxiety, and addiction. Despite her strength and determination in many aspects of her life, she was unable to overcome the disease of alcoholism. Katie’s family shares her story with the hope that others will find courage to seek help and know they are not alone.

She is survived by her father, Neal (Robin) Scharfe; mother, Lesa Scharfe; her sister, Emily (Justin) Lukso, and their children, Olivia, Brady, and Kinlee; her maternal grandmother, Judy Swan; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and dear friends. She is also survived by the countless individuals whose lives she touched through her love for horses.

Welcoming her at the gate are her beloved pets, Polly and Rowdy; her paternal grandparents; her maternal grandfather; Uncle Mike Swan, her aunts Susan Swan and Amy Seaton; and her grandmother Adeline, with whom she now completes a heavenly quartet.

In Katie’s memory, monetary gifts will be directed toward scholarships for equine therapy, ensuring that her love for horses continues to bring healing and joy to others.

Katie’s family encourages anyone struggling with addiction or mental health challenges to reach out for help. Katie’s life and legacy remind us that no one should face these battles alone.

Arrangements with

Horvath Funeral Service

Balaton, Minnesota

www.horvathfuneralservice.com