August 30, 1956 ~ July 6, 2022

John J. Jean, 65, Brookings, SD, passed away July 6, 2022, peacefully in his home in Brookings, SD, after a battle with cancer. 

John’s life will be celebrated with family on July 6, 2023, at Taft Pioneer Cemetery in Lincoln City, Oregon.

John Joseph Jean was born in Ukiah, California on August 30, 1956, to Raymond Adrien Jean and Mary Patricia Jean.  He was the eighth of eleven children.  He loved his four older brothers and tried to be one of the big brothers but would end up the test subject, like being put in a large tractor tire and rolled down the hill.  He had many fond memories of growing up on a small farm in Ukiah.  His family moved to Oregon when he was 10. He graduated from West Albany High School in 1975.  

John pursued his career in sales and risk management.  He worked with the state of Oregon insurance fund (SAIF) as a safety consultant for many years ending his career with AGC Oregon Chapter servicing all of Southern Oregon. He was a team player and loved by all members of his team.  He worked hard to go the extra mile and volunteer to set up and clean up whenever his company sponsored special events.  Because of declining health, he retired in June of 2021, earlier than he had planned.

John married the love of his life, Leslie Marie Mason in 1991.  They enjoyed the years of raising their combined family of three boys and three girls and had so many happy memories with their children.  John always loved children and while working hard to support a large family he always found time to play with the kids. The family was always his number one priority.  He was engaging and playful, coming up with games, stories, or songs to help all the children in the blended family feel included.  His children fondly remember the long bike rides, walks, hikes, exploring new places, including moving to new places, nighttime commando games, trips to the ocean, and playing games including their favorite, Dungeon and Dragons. Car rides on long trips were happily spent inventing new characters for their D & D game.

Leslie and John enjoyed their time as empty nesters playing with and babysitting many of their seventeen grandchildren.  John loved to hold new grandbabies and all the toddlers always preferred to sit on “Pepe’s” lap.  Whenever gathered at family reunions you would always find John playing with the little ones.

John was always the favorite uncle to his nieces and nephews and always kept everyone laughing with his keen sense of humor.  The family was always his priority, and he will always be remembered by his children and grandchildren for all the times he played with them.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Leslie; his children, Nicole (Victor) Navarrete, and Zachary (Rayanna) Jean; his stepchildren, David (Flory) Evans, Emily (Jae) Sheele, Alisa (Sunrise) Ocean, and Nathan (Aja) Evans; also, his siblings, Ray (Joy) Jean, Jim (Stacey) Jean, Ted (Amy) Jean, Patty (Scott) Adams, Mike (Anita) Jean, Julie (David) Davenport, and Ed (Lisa) Jean; and seventeen grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Pat Jean; a brother, Paul Jean; and two sisters, Mary Super, and Annette Hobbs.

July 6, 1961 ~ July 3, 2022

Darwin J. Odegard, 60, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, July 3, 2022, at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.

A Celebration of Life was held Thursday, July 7, 2022.

Darwin John Odegard was born in Pierre, SD, July 6, 1961.  The family moved to Sioux Falls, in 1969 and called it their home.

Darwin graduated from Baltic High School in 1979. He spent many years doing siding application and enjoying his own crews. The last several years he did scrapping as his main source of business.

Darwin loved his Vikings (SKOL!), golfing, fishing, camping and purposely irritating people!

Darwin is survived by his son, John Darwin Odegard; his older sister, Dawn (Mike Madsen) O’Neal; two younger brothers, Douglas (Laurie) Odegard and David (Terry) Odegard; younger sister, Delila (Gene); oldest niece, Jolene (Travis); and many nieces and nephews.

Darwin was preceded in death by his father, John Odegard; and his mother, Arlowene Odegard.

October 27, 1955 ~ July 12, 2022

Stanley L. Padgett Jr, 66, Brandon, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Sunset Manor Nursing Home following a long battle with Dementia.

Visitation with family present will be 5-7pm, Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Memorial service beginning at 7pm. A private burial will take place at Hills of Rest Cemetery.

Stanley Laurel Padgett Jr. was born October 27, 1955, in Sioux Falls, to Stanley Sr. and Ardis (Bakke) Padgett.  He grew up with one brother, Steven.  Stan attended Lincoln High School and in his later years attended the University of South Dakota for Psychology. Out of high school, he married Connie Eidy, and later Debra Walz.

Over the course of his life, Stan worked at several different jobs. He moved to Phoenix AZ and helped his dad in a glass installation business.  He worked at various locations of Sunshine Foods in and around the Sioux Falls area. He also enjoyed doing carpentry work with his brother, Steve. He assisted in the building of the Helping Hands Assisted Living in Brandon, where he later lived for a short time, during his battle with dementia. Stan worked in maintenance at Children’s Care Hospital and School for 13 years and there wasn’t a thing he couldn’t figure out how to fix.  He really enjoyed working around all the kids at the hospital and the kids absolutely loved him!

Stan loved baseball. He played baseball growing up and then softball as he got older. He enjoyed teaching his son all he knew about the game.  Stan also enjoyed gardening, riding his motorcycle, bowling on a league team, hunting, fishing, camping, and his and his kids’ dogs. Stan always enjoyed being able to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Stan will be deeply missed by his three children, Dawn Noel, Sioux Falls, Jake (Janet Oleson) Padgett, Sioux Falls, and Jessie (Matt) Finn, Brandon; twelve grandchildren, Caleb, Maddie, Jacob, Maranda, Thomas, Tanner, Morgan, Malinda, Madyson, Chris, Joseph, and Olivia; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Julie (Joneson) Padgett; one niece and one nephew, Sheri (Duane Klay) Padgett, and Chad (Alisha) Padgett. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley L., Sr., and Ardis B. (Bakke) Padgett, and his brother, Steven Padgett.

A Livestream of the service will be available at https://youtu.be/GapkRSXMJ6E

November 12, 1946 ~ July 3, 2022

Pamela J, Kuchta, 75, Sioux Falls, died Sunday, July 3, 2022, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, surrounded by her family.

Visitation with family will be 5-7pm, Monday, July 11, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with a Rosary Service at 7pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30am, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, Sioux Falls.  Interment will follow at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to St. Katharine’s in her memory.

Pamela Jean Kirschenmann was born November 12, 1946, in Yankton, SD, to Vernon and Fern (Muckey) Kirschenmann. She was raised in and graduated from Yankton High School in 1964.  She then attended Nettleton Business School in Omaha, Nebraska. Pam returned to Yankton to work in the office of Bauer Electric. Eventually, she moved to Sioux Falls in 1971. On November 9, 1972, she married Terry L. Kuchta, in Sioux City, IA.  Terry worked in the flooring business while Pam started raising their seven children. The couple started their own business of Falls Tile in 1983, where Pam ran the office and the business. Terry did the installations. Together, they operated this business for 39 years.

Pamela adored her family very much.  She enjoyed family gatherings at home playing cards or games at the kitchen table with her family.  The celebration of the Fourth of July was her favorite holiday with everyone around her. Pam and Terry enjoyed hanging out with friends on the deck playing cards, and going out for dinner together with friends.  Many family vacations and family reunions will also be a great memory her family shared with her. Pam was a hugger. Whether it was a first-time meeting or a long-time friend, when you meet her, she hugged you.  When you left again, Pam needed to hug you. Pamela also got excited to hear Elvis Presley or the California Raisins!

Pamela will be deeply missed by her husband of almost 50 years, Terry; seven children, David (Rhonda) Kuchta, Hartford, Daniel (Lynette) Kuchta, Tea, Troy (Dawn) Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Taniea Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Terrence Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Travis (Abby) Kuchta, Sioux Falls, Kaila (Cory) Julson, Sioux Falls; eighteen grandchildren, Melissa (Brett) Gripentrog, Shayla (Jeevan Mueller) Kuchta, Lee Kuchta, Kirstin (Chad Kuca) Kuchta, Kaiden Kuchta, Kiana Kuchta, Kennedy Kuchta, Keagan Kuchta, Alexis (Taryn) Kohler, Alissa Hall, Terrence Kuchta Jr., Echo Kuchta, Marlie Kuchta, McKenzie Kuchta, Beckett Kuchta, Jayden Julson, Braxten Julson, Finnlee Julson; eight great-grandchildren; one sister, Cheryl Hoffman; and one sister-in-law, Irene McDonald.

Pamela was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Fern Kirschenmann; grandson, Tazze Kuchta; sister, Linda (Curt) Christensen; and one brother, Barry Kirchenmann.

January 17, 1947 ~ June 30, 2022

JoAnne Lee Kruse, 75, Brookings, died on June 30, 2022, after a short illness, at the United Living Center, Brookings, SD.  

Memorial Services for JoAnne and Milan will be 2pm, Saturday, September 17, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, in Volga, SD.

A Livestream of the service is accessible by the following link: https://fb.watch/fFIANrIfMZ/

JoAnne was born to William E. and Alvina D. (Tieszen) Green on January 17, 1947, in Wyanet, IL, and was soon joined by her sisters Katherine (Kathie) and Barbara (Barbie).

Following the accidental death of her father at age 7, the family moved to Marion, SD, where Jo continued through the sixth grade. 

Her mother Alvina was married to Leonard Knutson in 1959, and the family moved to Volga, SD, where Jo Anne graduated from Sioux Valley HS in 1965 as an honor student.  She continued her education in a two-year Secretarial Science program at South Dakota State University.

For the next several years she made her home in Sioux Falls working a number of secretarial jobs.  Her favorite was working for KISD, a popular rock and roll radio station.

JoAnne met and married James Burns and had her daughter Danielle Marie.  When Jim left his family, Jo was a single mother and moved to Volga, SD, to be closer to family.

Jo met Milan James Kruse, the love of her life, and they married at First Lutheran, Volga, SD, on May 22, 1982.  The couple lived in Toronto, and Danielle graduated from Deubrook HS.  A few years later, Jo and Milan moved to Brookings, SD, where Jo continued as an employee at SDSU working in a number of departments, including the Student Union. Jo retired from the Horticulture Department, with her longtime friend and colleague, Lynda Peterson, after 36 years as an SDSU employee.  For a time following “retirement”, Jo enjoyed working part-time at Sonny’s Trends & Traditions in downtown Brookings.  She also enjoyed working the ticket booth at SDSU sporting events and working state and local elections.

Jo typically only met a person once before they became friends.  She loved dining out and attending jazz concerts with Milan, as well as hanging out weekly for pizza and beer with Milan’s bicycling group.  Because Jo loved shoes, clothing, and jewelry, she was always dressed impeccably for every occasion.

Jo is survived by her daughter, Danielle (Kruse) Karber and son-in-law, Brett Karber, Brandon, SD; grandsons, Nicholas (Jenna) Karber, Haw River, NC; Corey (Cara) Karber, Garretson, SD, Nathan (Danielle) Karber, Sioux Falls; her sisters, Katherine (Fred) Prahl, Lake Poinsett, and Barbara (Richard) Tarp, Sioux Falls; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; and her very best friend, Lynda (Lum) Peterson.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Milan; her parents, William Green, Alvina and Leonard Knutson; and niece, Erika (Prahl) Cromwell.

For more information, please go to kruse.notice@gmail.com for updates..

July 19, 1953 ~ May 29, 2022

Milan J. Kruse, 68, Brookings, SD, died unexpectedly at his home, on Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Memorial Services for Milan and JoAnne, will be 2pm, Saturday, September 17, 2022, at First Lutheran Church, in Volga, SD.

A live stream of the service is accessible by this link: https://fb.watch/fFIANrIfMZ/

Milan was born to Helen (Bodde) and Peter H. Kruse on July 19, 1953.  He grew up in Toronto, SD, the youngest of five children. He attended First Baptist Church with his family in White, SD.

Milan attended grade school in Toronto and graduated from Deubrook HS in 1971.  During his boyhood, he helped his father in his feed grinding business, and as a teen, worked on area farms in the summer, baling hay and other chores.

After graduation, Milan joined the Air Force and served for four years.  He loaded bombs into B52 airplanes while serving in Thailand and completed his service in Florida.

Returning home, he bought a truck and began working for Thompson Brothers, Inc. (TBI).  He drove for many years, including a mail run from Sioux Falls to Seattle, during the latter part of his trucking career.  TBI recognized Milan with multiple Safe Driver awards.

Milan married Jo Anne L. Burns, on May 22, 1982, at the First Lutheran Church, of Volga, SD.  Milan, Jo Anne, and her daughter, Danielle, whom Milan adopted (becoming an instantly fantastic father), formed their family living in his home in Toronto.  After Danielle’s high school graduation, he and Jo moved to Brookings, SD.

Milan and Jo loved jazz and attended concerts and Jazz Fest in Sioux Falls for many years.  He also was an avid biker and became a member of a local bicycling club.  The bikers and their spouses enjoyed many road trips and weekly gatherings for pizza and beer.  Milan often found himself alone on his days off with his trucking schedule.  He developed a wide variety of hobbies from woodworking to breadmaking.  His love of cars had him purchasing his own 1999 Mustang.  This allowed them time to cruise and show off the Mustang (and win awards) at several car shows.

After his years of driving truck, Milan decided to try some other employment.  He worked for a time in the custodial department at SDSU’s Student Union and then joined the night shift at Counterpart, until his retirement.  During retirement, Milan worked part-time as a groundskeeper for Western Estates, where their home was located.  He also loved his daily gatherings with a group of friends as they enjoyed coffee at Chocolatte’s.

Milan is survived by his daughter, Danielle (Brett) Karber; grandsons, Nick (Jenna) Karber, Corey (Cara) Karber, and Nathan (Danielle) Karber; siblings, Dale (Netah) Kruse, Carol O’Block, and Leroy (Belinda) Kruse; and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren; also having shared in his life are sisters-in-law, Katherine (Fred) Prahl, and Barbara (Richard) Tarp; as well as many co-workers, friends, and neighbors.

Milan was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Marvin Kruse. 

October 24, 1942 ~ June 29, 2022

Thomas Michael Issenhuth, 79, Sioux Falls, and formerly Madison, SD, passed away at his home on Wednesday, June 29, 2022.  

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Memorials may be sent in care of the family to Heartland Funeral Home, PO Box 451, Brandon, SD 57005.

The thing about Tom was that he really was a true South Dakota boy.  He was born in Sioux Falls on October 24, 1942 to Edward and Luella (Wangness) Issenhuth.  Although he graduated from the University of Nebraska and was a lifelong Huskers fan (the family dog is Husker!), he attended law school at the University of South Dakota and had a fifty-two-year career as an attorney in Madison.  It didn’t matter if you were a first-time client or a frequent-flier client – destitute or wealthy, Tom treated everyone equally.  He knew people from all walks of life and made friends wherever he went.  A common sight in Madison was seeing him walk a half block from his office on Egan Avenue to the Stadium for his daily lunch.

He and Monie often traveled here and abroad, and their adventures were definitely a highlight of their life together.  Because they loved meeting new people and both were born storytellers, their friends adored hearing about their experiences.  In the last years of Tom’s life, they had a very supportive circle of friends who always made certain, despite Tom’s deteriorating condition, that they were included in everything.  Monie remains so grateful for the love and support they received during these difficult last years.  

Tom is survived by his wife, Monie Issenhuth; his son, Tom (Meghan) Issenhuth, of Bozeman, MT; two daughters, Tracey (Jim) Tomassetti, of Appleton, WI, and Amy (Ryan) Gienapp of Brandon, SD; ten grandchildren; as well as four stepdaughters and their families.

August 19, 1939 ~ June 30, 2022

Derrold D. Hofer, 82, Sioux Falls, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 30, 2022, while under the loving care of the staff at Ava’s House. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be11:00am, Friday, July 8, 2022, at Central Church, Sioux Falls, SD, with visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at the Hutterthal Mennonite Church Cemetery, rural Freeman. A link to watch via live streaming https://youtu.be/NL4Jk3vu0mk In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Ava’s House at Sanford Hospital.

Derrold D. Hofer was born to Joe E. and Erna (Gross) Hofer on August 19, 1939, on the farm six miles SE of Bridgewater, where he grew up with his brother, Larry.  Derrold enjoyed spending time with cousins that lived near and far.  He met Marilyn Glanzer when their two county schools played each other in softball.  Derrold graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1957.

Derrold accepted Jesus as his personal savior at a revival in Bridgewater while in High School.  He had a quiet but genuine faith that guided his life and spent many hours praying for his loved ones. 

Derrold attended Freeman Junior College and graduated with a two-year degree in Business Administration.  Throughout high school and college, Derrold enjoyed working as the stage manager for many plays.  In the fall of 1959, Derrold went into 1W service at Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN.  He worked for Medical Records delivering charts to various departments.

Derrold and Marilyn (Glanzer) were engaged on New Year’s Eve in 1960.  Derrold had given her matching sweaters for Christmas instead of a ring, choosing to rather surprise her with the ring a week later.  They were married on July 16, 1961, and moved to Speedway, Indiana, where Derrold continued his work at the hospital.   After 1W, Derrold continued his third year of college at Augustana and Sioux Falls College.  He graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, with a degree in Medical Records Administration. 

In June of 1962, Derrold and Marilyn moved back to Sioux Falls and Derrold got a job as the Assistant Director of Medical Records at Sioux Valley Hospital.  Derrold’s career at Sioux Valley Hospital/Sanford spanned 44 years serving as Assistant Director of Medical Records, Director of Medical Records, and Records Completion Coordinator for the hospital.  Derrold found great satisfaction in this work and was well known in the Sanford Family.  He also worked as a Medical Records Consultant for Freeman Hospital and Nursing Home for many years.  He was active in the Medical Records Association of South Dakota working as president for several terms. 

Derrold and Marilyn had a love of music and enjoyed attending many concerts and musicals.  In the summers, the family attended many Sioux Falls Municipal Band concerts. The South Dakota Symphony was also a favorite. Derrold especially enjoyed listening to Marilyn sing with the Symphony Choir.  They enjoyed many trips to Branson, MO, and traveling to Indiana and Alabama to see family and friends.

Derrold was the “King of Christmas”.  Each year he spent many hours decorating both inside and outside the house.  It was a joy to come up to the house and see all the lights each Christmas Season.  He had quite the collection of Nativity Sets both big and small throughout the house.  Each room had some type of Christmas decoration or Nativity set. 

Derrold enjoyed visiting Sandi and Harold in the Twin Cities, often coming in the spring and fall to help with getting the yard ready for the season.  He was like the “Energizer Bunny” and would keep going on projects even when others were ready to take a break.  During these visits, he often found time to take in a musical or choir concert.  One of his favorites was Fiddler on the Roof at Chanhassen Dinner Theater.  

Derrold was an active attendee of Central Baptist Church in Sioux Falls.  He volunteered as a greeter and he and Marilyn were shepherds in the Good Shepherd Sunday School class.  Together, they spent many Sundays volunteering in the nursery and toddler room. 

When Derrold retired in 2010, he joined Marilyn as a full-time caregiver for his precious granddaughters.  The bond Derrold and Marilyn had with Riley and Halle was priceless.  Derrold was often the chauffeur to school and special outings to museums, zoos, parks, and the Washington Pavilion.  He was affectionately known as “Papa” to the girls and their love for him was evident to all who saw them together.  Many hours were spent playing games with the girls.  His favorites were Skip-Bo, Rummikub, and Chinese Checkers.  Papa was so good at asking detailed questions and engaging the girls in meaningful conversations. 

Derrold was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer three months after losing his wife of 59 ½ years.  This was certainly not a journey he wanted to take, but he faced it with dignity, courage, and strength.  He was thankful to have Stacy at his side to help navigate the unknown waters.  Her medical expertise and familiarity with the staff and doctors were a blessing.  Sandi made many trips to Sioux Falls and provided great comfort to dad during her visits with him.  They spent many hours playing games and reminiscing.  Derrold and his family were incredibly grateful for the care and compassion shown by the staff at Ava’s House. 

Derrold will be deeply missed by his daughters, Sandra (Harold) Baty, Shoreview, MN, and Stacy (Phil) Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD; granddaughters who meant the world to him, Riley and Halle Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD; sisters-in-law, Brigitta Hofer, Bridgewater, SD, and Edwina Glanzer, Rolesville, NC; nieces, Kelly (Brian) Hefti, Sioux Falls, SD, Stephanie (Michael) Burgeson, Yankton, SD, Robin (Mike) Jaspers, Sioux Falls, SD, and Kristi (Ray) Jezek, Rolesville, NC; and nephew, Mike (Sandy) Glanzer, Ft. Myers, FL; several cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nephews. 

Derrold was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn; parents, Joe E. and Erna (Gross) Hofer; brother, Larry Hofer; stepmother, Agnes Stern-Hofer; parents-in-law, Mike and Mary Glanzer; and brother-in-law, Herb Glanzer

In these days of uncertainty, take the extra time to show those closest to your hearts that you love them as you never know when a goodbye hug will be the last time. 

July 22, 1943 ~ June 25, 2022

Twila Eilene Shotley 78, Sioux Falls, passed away June 25, 2022, at the Good Samaritan Society Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorial Services will be 4pm, Thursday, June 30, 2022, at Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church (4100 S Bahnson Ave. Sioux Falls), with visitation beginning at 3pm. Private burial will happen at a later date.  A live stream link can be found at https://www.abidingsavior.church/live In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Abiding Savior Academy!

Twila Eilene Johnson was born on July 22, 1943, in Cloquet, Minnesota, to William and Nannie (Bjerk) Johnson. She was married to Leon Shotley on March 31, 1962. They had two daughters. She was a stay-at-home mother until the youngest was in first grade. Then Eilene was a lunch aid at Leach School where the girls went to school. She was talented in crafts, painting, drawing, and writing. When the girls were older, she worked at KBJR TV in Duluth, MN, doing payroll. After retirement, in the winter of 2007, Leon and Eilene moved to Sioux Falls. She enjoyed going to plays at the Washington Pavilion, concerts at the Old Courthouse Museum, and all of Esther’s concerts and activities. Eilene was a member of Abiding Savior Free Lutheran Church. She enjoyed her card nights with friends and her Bible study group.

Eilene is survived by two daughters, Leea (Bob) Ryan, New Jersey, and Leesa Rabenberg, Sioux Falls; three grandchildren, Erik Ryan, Oahu, HI, Kayla Ryan, New Jersey, and Esther Rabenberg, Sioux Falls; brother-in-law, Ralph Paulson; sister-in-law, Evelyn Putnam; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Eilene was preceded in death by her husband, Leon: her parents, William and Nannie Johnson; brother, Giles Johnson, Sr; sisters, Fay McMillen, Darlene Paulson, Phyllis Flater, and Arlys Hanson; son-in-law, James Rabenberg; parents-in-law, Peter and Josephine Shotley; brothers-in-law, Duane Putman, Burton Shotley, Harold McMillen, Larry Flater, and Fred Hanson; sisters-in-law, Claudette Shotley, Patricia Dickinson; and nephews, Larry Johnson and Giles Johnson, Jr.

February 4. 1933 ~ June 17, 2022

Alice L. Johnson, 89, Sioux Falls, died peacefully Friday, June 17, 2022, at her home.

Visitation will be10am, Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Heartland Funeral Home, with Funeral Services at 11am. Interment will follow at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls. The link to Livestream is https://youtu.be/b-NqFTMDdwo

Alice Lorraine Kunert was born February 4, 1933, in Sioux Falls, SD to Frank and Edith (Spande) Kunert. She married Wendell Herman Johnson on October 12, 1949, in Luverne, MN.

Alice was a woman of God, every conversation was a chance to talk about the Lord. Having been a long-time member of Center of Life Church, she never missed a sermon and soon became known as “Mother Alice”.  She was a prayer warrior for many and taught her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to know and love Jesus. She served God her entire life and wanted everyone to hear His words. She spent much of her time writing and singing songs about our Lord and savior. She will be missed by all who knew her, but we know she is singing from up above.

Alice is survived by two children, Janice Van Sickler and Raymond Johnson, both of Sioux Falls. Grandchildren Lisa (Jerry) Leemkuil, Todd Van Sickler, Laura (Ricky) Sawvell, Tim Van Sickler, Katrina Johnson and Stephen Johnson; and 5 great-grandchildren.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell; two sons, Curtis Johnson and Mark Johnson; her parents, Frank and Edith (Spande) Kunert; and four siblings.