Colleen Kaye Johns, a pillar in the Harrisburg community and a beloved resident of South Dakota, passed away peacefully in her home on March 3, 2026, at the age of 71. Born in the scenic town of Flandreau, South Dakota, Colleen’s life was marked by her commitment to family, education, and community tradition.
Her Celebration of Life was held on March 7 at the George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, where family and friends gathered to honor a woman whose Irish heritage, love for art, and dedication to family will not be forgotten. In her honor, guests were invited to wear green, symbolizing Colleen’s favorite holiday, St. Patrick’s Day, a nod to her vibrant celebration of her Irish ancestry.
Colleen Kaye Johns
Colleen was born to Donald and Mary (Carroll) Hanson on June 1, 1954. Her upbringing in Flandreau laid a foundation of community values and resilience. Moving to Harrisburg in 1979 with her first husband, George Larson, Colleen embraced South Dakota’s spirit of close-knit communities. Together, they raised four children while Colleen pursued further education, earning a psychology degree from Sioux Falls College in 1993, exemplifying her belief in lifelong learning.
Colleen’s life in Harrisburg was also shared with her second husband, Larry Johns, whom she married on June 14, 1997. Together, they cultivated a welcoming home known for its warmth and hospitality. The couple ran “Christmas Tree Acres,” a local treasure during the holiday season, where they hosted hayrides and bonfires, spreading cheer throughout the community.
While Colleen had a professional life with roles across various fields, her true calling was as a grandmother. Known as “Grandma Daycare,” her Harrisburg home was a sanctuary of joy and learning for her grandchildren. Activities like golf cart rides, apple picking, and arts and crafts filled the air with laughter and learning.
Colleen’s love for South Dakota extended beyond family. Her “river home” near Platte was a beloved retreat where she engaged in her favorite pastime of finding heart-shaped rocks, an activity that symbolized her knack for finding beauty in simple things. Whether decorating golf carts for the July 4th parade or sustaining lifelong friendships, her presence was the glue that kept her social circles thriving.
Tony Larson
Colleen was also a woman of varied interests and passions. Her love for arts and crafts was intertwined with her role as a grandmother, often including her grandchildren in creative projects. Her flower garden was a testament to her passion for beauty and growth, maintained alongside her husband, Larry.
Colleen’s legacy extends through her surviving family: her husband Larry Johns; her children Tony (Melissa) Larson of Castlewood, SD, Melissa (Brandon) Spors, Charlie (Lisa) Larson, and Nick (Andi) Larson all of Sioux Falls, SD; stepchildren Eric (Kelly) Johns of Melbourne, FL, and Tim (Joelle) Johns of Harrisburg, SD; and her many cherished grandchildren. Her sisters, Sherry Phelan, Rosemary Jaacks, Michelle Anderson, Betty Jo Nelson, and her special nephew Mike Hagedorn, also continue to embody her spirit.
South Dakota, her beloved state, was more than just a backdrop for Colleen; it was a key character in her life’s narrative. It influenced her viewpoints, her relationships, and her pursuits, all of which she embraced fully. As communities throughout the state reflect on her life, Colleen remains a beacon of love, warmth, and engagement, inspiring those around her.
In memory of Colleen, donations can be made to “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” in Sioux Falls, an organization embodying her values of community support and care for others. For more information, click here to support this cause while honoring her memory.