Carolyn Jean Johnson, 74, of South Dakota

Carolyn Jean Johnson was born August 18, 1940 in Hartville, Missouri to Mabel Virginia (Mitchell) and Carroll Hake. She passed away peacefully at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital on October 13, 2014 at the age of 74 years, 1 month and 25 days.

Jean went to Reed Elementary in Springfield MO until the 8^th grade. She then helped her family care for nieces and nephews while working waitressing. Jean married the love of her life, Virgil Johnson on May 3, 1958 offficiated by Rev. Dowel at Highstreet Baptist Church in Springfield MO with her parents present. The couple resided in Springfield until Virgil was released from active duty in the Army.

Three years after Virgil was discharged from duty, they moved back to South Dakota and then to California for a short period of time before returning to South Dakota where they would remain. To this union they were blessed with two children, Timothy Dean and Theresa “Tess” Jean.

In October 1970, Virgil and Jean purchased the farm where they have since resided. Jean worked that farm and loved it dearly. Whether she was chopping weeds or taking care of the livestock, (goats and geese included) she loved being there. In 1989 Virgil and Jean purchased the Sundown Lounge where she worked alongside Virgil until their retirement and sale in 2000.

Jean loved her family dearly. She enjoyed watching and feeding the Baltimore Orioles and Hummingbirds that came to visit. She doted on her pets, flowers and gardens and especially loved playing games with her family. Highest on her list, though, was spending time with Virgil. Whether they were frying chicken, tending gardens or decorating their home everything was made more beautiful when Jean touched it. Her family reveled in the benefits of that care every time they were with her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Delores June Dye, eight brother in laws, and seven sister-in-laws.

Survivors include her husband, Virgil of Irene; son Timothy of Yankton, daughter Theresa (Larry) Johnson, Oakland, NE; four grandchildren:  Ryan Johnson, Cody Johnson, Jamison Johnson and Lyndsey Johnson and many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, October 17, 2014, 10:30 a.m., First English Lutheran Church in Centerville, SD.

VISITATION: Thursday 5 – 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 – 8 p.m. at Hansen Funeral Home in Irene. Visitation will also be held at the church Friday one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: Union Cemetery, Wakonda, SD.

MEMORIALS: To the Family.

Carolyn Johnson