Colleen Johns, 71, went home to the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Harrisburg, SD.
Memorial visitation with family present will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with her Celebration of Life service to follow at 4:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” in Sioux Falls. https://shpbeds.org/?form=FUNSDSQYZCN. To celebrate her Irish heritage, the family requests that you wear green in Colleen’s honor.
Colleen Kaye (Hanson) Johns was born June 1, 1954, in Flandreau, South Dakota, to Donald and Mary (Carroll) Hanson. In 1976, Colleen married George Larson and together they had four children: Tony, Melissa, Charlie, and Nick. Colleen and George moved to Harrisburg, South Dakota, in 1979, where she lived for 18 years. While raising her children, Colleen returned to school and obtained her psychology degree from Sioux Falls College in 1993. She taught her children hard work and the importance of education.
Colleen married Larry Johns on June 14, 1997, and welcomed two stepchildren into her life: Eric and Tim. The happy couple resided in Harrisburg where they were known for hosting hayrides and bonfires for friends and family. During their marriage, they operated “Christmas Tree Acres.” Colleen loved making crafts, wreaths, and spreading Christmas joy.
Throughout the years, Colleen worked in various fields, but her favorite “job” was Grandma Daycare. Colleen’s grandchildren were her life. There was no shortage of fun at Grandma Daycare which consisted of golf cart rides, picking apples, arts and crafts, walks and special field trips. They all looked forward to their birthday lunches where she made each grandchild feel special. Even for those grandchildren who lived far away, she made sure to celebrate them.
As most know, St. Patrick’s Day was her favorite holiday, followed closely by her birthday month. Colleen would dress up in green from head to toe and demanded that you do the same. Colleen loved to celebrate her Irish heritage and her favorite trip was when she went to Ireland in 2013.
Colleen’s passion was her painting. She was always working on a project and enjoyed her artwork (and others loved her work as well). Her favorite pastime was including her grandchildren in her arts and crafts. A close second was beautifying her yard with flowers. Colleen’s flower garden kept her (and Larry) very busy, but everyone complemented her yard.
Colleen absolutely loved spending time near Platte at her “river home.” She was the life of the party at the river and was considered the glue that held her friends together. She loved to decorate the golf carts for the 4th of July parade. One of her many gifts was keeping her eye out for heart shaped rocks. On more than one occasion she was “busted” trying to sneak rocks home in her carryon luggage.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Larry Johns, of Harrisburg, SD; son, Tony (Melissa) Larson of Castlewood, SD; daughter, Melissa (Brandon) Spors of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Charlie (Lisa) Larson of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Nick (Andi) Larson of Sioux Falls, SD; son, Eric (Kelly) Johns of Melbourne, FL; son, Tim (Joelle) Johns of Harrisburg, SD; grandchildren, Jett, Jace, Katy, Makenzie, Easton, Brady, Hadley, Logan, Aubree, Emery, Lincoln, Dalton, Courtney, Beth, and Grace; sisters, Sherry Phelan, Rosemary Jaacks, Michelle Anderson, and Betty Jo Nelson; and special nephew, Mike Hagedorn of Harrisburg, SD.
Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Mary (Carroll) Hanson; grandson, Drew; and siblings, Jackie, Donny, Elise, and Larry.
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