Gladys Darlene Janssen, 93, of Castlewood, SD, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Lake Norden Avantara. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Hamlin Reformed Church in rural, Castlewood, SD. A Visitation will be held one hour prior from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Hamlin Reformed Church in rural Castlewood.

Gladys Darlene Smunk Janssen was born near Castlewood, SD, on November 24, 1930 to William and Grace (Jenkins) Smunk. She spent most of her days growing up near Goodwin, SD. Gladys graduated from Goodwin High School. She taught 1 year in a rural school near Goodwin and then worked in Minneapolis for a few years. Gladys married Bill Janssen on August 25, 1952, in Dempster, SD. Raising their 6 children was her full-time job. In her later years, she worked at different businesses in Watertown and then worked for the Castlewood Locker until her retirement. She was a member of the Hamlin Reformed Church, belonged to the Reformed Church Women and Senior Coffee Group. Gladys was a member of the Post 250 Woman's Auxiliary of Castlewood. She enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins and doing wood crafts with her husband and daughter (Family Affair Crafts). Gladys loved doing crossword puzzles and if she ran into a bind, she would call on her great friend (Google). Spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was her greatest pleasure.

Known for her hard working and loving nature, Gladys had a gift for making everyone feel at home. Often with a home cooked meal, fresh baked cookies and a pot of freshly brewed coffee.

Gladys is survived by her children, Roger (DJ) Janssen of Isabel, SD, Roxanne (Craig) Bass of Castlewood, SD, Steve (Lisa) Janssen of Castlewood, SD and Tony Janssen of Castlewood, SD; daughter-in-law, Deb Janssen of Castlewood, SD; son-in-law, Calvin Sievers of Rapid City, SD; sister-in-law, Eileen Smunk of Sauk Rapids, MN and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill; son, Jim Janssen and daughter, Cindy Sievers; parents, William and Grace (Jenkins) Smunk and 9 siblings.