Anna Joy Johanson, 73
Anna Joy Johanson, 73, of Valley Springs, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Her funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 at American Reformed Church in Luverne, Minn. Family present visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, also at American Reformed Church. Interment will be in the Swedona Covenant Cemetery, rural Brandon. Visit www.georgeboom.com for a live stream link and online guestbook.
Anna Joy Vande Weerd was born Feb. 1, 1952, in Brookings, S.D., to Nick and Clara (Kooiker) Vande Weerd. She was the second born to five children. As a child Anna moved a lot living in Iowa, California and finally settling in Bruce, S.D. Anna attended country school and rode her favorite horse, Blue Boy, to school. Anna did all the cooking for her family at a young age, as her mother worked out of the home. Anna graduated in 1970 from Sioux Valley High School in Volga, S.D., and then attended Stewarts Beauty School.
In December 1971 while working as a hairstylist, a young Navy sailor came into the salon where she was working. David Johanson had heard about Anna from her brother, John Vande Weerd while stationed in Adak, Alaska, and decided to come meet her. Soon after meeting, David deployed to Guam for a year. They continued their relationship through weekly letters and when David returned they dated and quickly became engaged. They were married on Sept. 28, 1973 in Volga. In 2025 they celebrated 52 years of marriage.
Anna and Dave made their home on the family farm near Valley Springs. During this time, Anna worked at the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls until their daughter Kristie Lynn was born in 1975, followed by Jennifer Ann in 1978, and Laurie Clara in 1982.
As a young wife, Anna was busy helping on the farm and raising their family. There was nothing Anna could not do. If she decided, then with her determination the job got done. In 1994, Anna attended Southeast Technical School and got a degree. She then began working in town for a few years. n 2009, Anna decided she would rather work on the farm with Dave and returned to full-time farming.
Anna enjoyed traveling to numerous places, such as The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, Alaska, and camping at her beloved Rafter J Bar Ranch Campground in the Black Hills. Anna also enjoyed quilting, baking, riding bike, and driving her own tractor doing field work. She also loved gardening and her flower pots.
Anna became a grandmother and she cherished every moment with her grandkids. She loved spending time with them and her greatest blessings called her grandma. Anna loved the Lord and prayed for her family daily.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, David Johanson of Valley Springs; daughters, Kristie Johanson of Luverne, Minn., Jennifer (Jeff) Thompson of Valley Springs, and Laurie Rath of Brandon; seven grandchildren, David and Charlotte Happeny of Luverne, Ryan and Carson Thompson of Valley Springs, Allison, Abraham and Ivory Rath of Brandon; brothers, John (Linda) Vande Weerd, Lee (Sandy Probst) Vande Weerd and Rich (Julie) Vande Weerd, all of Bruce; sister, Joyce (Loryn) Klumper of Wahpeton, N.D.; and a host of many other relatives and friends.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Clara Vande Weerd; and her niece, Jessica Vande Weerd.
