Obituary of Kaylene Michelle Stirling

   Kaylene Michelle Stirling was born February 14, 1982, to Keith and Julie (Franek) Stirling in Wagner, SD. She passed away on July 28, 2021, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. Kaylene grew up in Lake Andes, graduating from Andes Central in 2000. She attended post-secondary schools in San Antonio, TX, Brooking, SD, and Mitchell, SD; graduating from Mitchell Technical Institute with an Associate’s degree in Information Systems Technology. She worked at various businesses in Lake Andes and the surrounding area including Fort Randall Casino, Jone’s Food Center, and the Lake Andes Carnegie Library. Kaylene had excellent computer skills, often fixing computers for people in the area.

   The joy of Kaylene’s Life, Gauge Hendrix Cournoyer, was born to Raymond Cournoyer Jr. and Kaylene on December 26, 2003.  Kaylene loved to plan parties and decorate for holidays. She threw everything into making these days special for her son, nieces, nephews, and all of the kids in the neighborhood.  She will be forever remembered for her love of cats, ability to make everyone laugh with her stories, and creative instruction on many school projects. You could always count on her for an over-the-top diorama or Valentine’s Day box.  Kaylene loved to sing, and even took her talents to Europe to tour with the Midwest Ambassadors of Music. She was compassionate, and always willing to help others. Kaylene loved to watch and read Science-Fiction and play Mario Brothers with Gauge.

   She is survived by her parents Keith and Julie of Lake Andes, SD; Son Gauge Cournoyer and his Girlfriend Alsace Kranig of Lake Andes, SD; Sister Kristen (Jay) Maynard of Lake Andes, SD; Brothers John (Amanda) Stirling of Volga, SD and Jared (Marta) Stirling of Menno, SD; nephews John Stirling II, Jacob Maynard, Joseph Stirling, and Chase Stirling; nieces Kali Maynard, Riley Stirling, and Mercedes Stirling; Gauge’s Brothers Xavier Cournoyer of Sioux Falls, SD, and Dimitri Cournoyer of Brandon, SD; numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her Maternal Grandparents John and Eleanor Franek, and Fraternal Grandparents Kenneth and Lucile Stirling.