Gladys Priscilla (De Groot) Johnson
April 5, 2018 admins Uncategorized
September 5, 1948 ~ April 4, 2018
Gladys Priscilla Johnson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota passed surrounded by her three children on April 4, 2018 at Sanford USD Medical Center from complications of pneumonia.
Funeral Services will be held on April 09, 2018, at One o'clock, at Heartland Funeral Home, Brandon, SD, with family present at Noon. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Gladys was born on September 05, 1948 in Le Mars, Iowa to Cornelius "Casey" and Ann (née Breevaart) De Groot, and grew up in Sioux Center, IA. She married Gregory Johnson on May 22, 1971 and they made their home in Sioux Falls, SD.
Gladys attended Sioux Center Christian School through 8th grade, and graduated from Sioux Center High School in 1966, earning high marks. During her youth, Gladys was involved in 4-H, was active in school plays, studied French, and played the flute. Like all De Groot children (and all grandchildren) Gladys worked in the family business, Casey's Bakery, which was started by her father after his service in WWII. After high school, Gladys attended Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, SD where she completed her coursework in medical transcription two months ahead of her classmates with high marks. After completing her coursework, Gladys was employed by Dr. Ruben Samoni in Sioux Center, and then after relocating to Sioux Falls, employed by Dr. Robert "Bob" Van Demark Sr. for many years; her final position as a medical transcriptionist was at Family Practice Physicians. During her later years, Gladys worked part-time in retail.
Gladys enjoyed gardening and planted rose bushes and ferns wherever she lived; yellow roses were her favorite, and she also enjoyed houseplants, especially cacti of all varieties. Her children would often go to great lengths to bring home exotic varieties of cacti from their travels for her to enjoy. Gladys made excellent chocolate chip cookies, a gift likely inherited from her father, Casey. Gladys taught her children to knit and later made hats and scarves for her grandchildren. Gladys also loved music and enjoyed spiritual music the most, her favorite artist was Ernie Haase and Signature Sound; she was able to enjoy many of his concerts with her sisters in Sioux Falls. She very much enjoyed talking and corresponding with the many friends she cultivated over her life. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren playing and watching them grow.
Gladys had an easygoing way about her, and a compassionate dignity that put others at ease. Those left to cherish her memory include daughters, Heidi (née De Groot) Bolluyt (Corey) of Edgerton MN, Joy Johnson (fiancée ) of St. Paul, MN, and Mark (Meg) Johnson of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren include Justin and Clayton Bolluyt, and Claire and Hannah Johnson; her former husband, Gregory Johnson (Sioux Falls, SD); her sisters, Mary Swets (Sioux Center, IA), Velma Franken (Sioux Center, IA), Carol (Denny) De Jong (Sheldon, IA), Judy (Roy) Vander Meulen (Sioux Falls, SD), and brother, Ron (Kathy Tiemeyer) De Groot (Sioux Center, IA); cousins, many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents, Steven Franken (nephew), Delbert Swets (brother-in-law), Arnold Franken (brother-in-law), Doug Swets (nephew), and Megan Swets (great niece).
We thank the doctors and nurses at Sanford health during her final stay for the excellent care they provided, and for keeping her comfortable.
Debra rice says:
Your mother was so sweet and kind. I worked at Casey's on South sycamore. She was always coming in for her "pop". I always took the time to say hi to her. May God rest her sweet soul.
Penny Bachtell says:
So sorry for your loss Gladys was our next door neighbor .Jeff mowed the lawn and we really enjoyed her she will be missed our thoughts and prayers go out to family! Penny & Jeff
Elaine Feldhacker says:
I was a friend of the De Groot family for many years and just want to say how sorry I was to hear of Gladys' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and may the peace of the Lord be with you during this difficult time.