The writers concluded the obituary by saying, “She will not be missed by Gina and Jay, and they understand that this world is a better place without her.”

The obit went viral and international publications quickly picked up the story, prompting the Gazette to remove the online version from its site. When asked by the Minneapolis Star Tribune why it published it, all general manager Lisa Drafall said was that it was paid for by the family.

Reaction to the obituary on social media was mixed, with many people calling for “respect and dignity in death” — although others viewed it as “fair.”

Dwight Dehmlow, whose precise familial connection to the deceased isn’t clear, told the Star Tribune that “there is a lot of stuff that is missing” from Kathleen’s story.

“The sad thing about this is there is no rebuttal. There is more to it than this. It’s not simple,” he said. “She made a mistake 60 years ago, but who hasn’t? Has she regretted it over the years? Yes.”

He also told the newspaper that Kathleen was admitted to a nursing home one year ago and died surrounded by her sisters.

Dwight said whoever penned the obit “decided to go out with hate. This is going to hurt a lot of people.”

Its publishing prompted an investigation of standards by legacy.com, an online obituary website, although Mark Anfinson, attorney for the Minnesota Newspaper Association, said it didn’t break any laws.