Joan K. Gilligan, 78, of Brookings passed away Monday, November 26, 2018, at her home in Brookings, SD. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Brookings First Assembly of God Church, in Brookings. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Friday at Rude's Funeral Home in Brookings. Geise Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joan Kay Johnson was born on February 25, 1940, in Estelline, SD, the daughter of Eldon and Dorothy (Appel) Johnson. She attended school in Estelline and graduated from Estelline High School in 1958. She was united in marriage to Patrick Gilligan on January 25, 1958, in Estelline, SD. The couple was blessed with four children, Kevin, Patti, Brian and Teressa. Joan spent many years babysitting for many children. She also worked at Gambles Hardware Store and for Roger Wermers.

Joan enjoyed raising her garden and canning her harvest. She enjoyed crafts, antiquing and running her annual Gilligan's Island rummage sale. She was a member of Brookings First Assembly of God Church and very active in Prime Timers. She cherished the friendships she gained through the church. She absolutely loved to visit and call her family and many friends. She took a special interest and helping the younger generation. She had a love for cats. She was always very gracious with her time, volunteering to help with concessions at many Estelline sporting events. Her grandchildren brought so much joy to her life and loved being called 'Nana.'

Grateful for having shared her life are her children, Kevin (Alana) Gilligan, of Tucson, AZ, Patti Jo (David) Merril, of Tucson, AZ, Brian (Alice) Gilligan, of Tucson, AZ and Teressa (Wayne) Freyberg, of Brookings, SD; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; her sister, Janice (Richard) Kornmann; two brothers, James (Suzanne) Johnson and Jerry (Donna) Johnson and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Patrick and grandson, Sean Gilligan.