Jana McDonald

The wonderful Jana McDonald, 88, of Vermillion, SD passed away Sunday January 19, 2025 at Sanford Vermillion Care Center. Visitation will be Sunday January 26 at Hansen Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00 pm in Vermillion with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 pm. Visitation starts at 1:00 pm and funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, Monday January 27 at St. John’s Methodist Church in Mapleton, IA. Following the funeral service, there will be lunch served at St. John’s Methodist Church with the burial to follow at Grant Cemetery in Ticonic, IA.

Jana was born on March 13, 1936 to Glenn and Lavinia (Woodward) Miller, the oldest of two girls. Jana grew up on a farm in Ticonic, IA and graduated from Castana High School in 1954 where she excelled at basketball including a high game of 42 points. Her Father was her biggest fan!

Jana graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, IA with a degree in elementary education. She began her teaching career in Correctionville, IA until starting a family. On June 14, 1957 she married James McDonald. In 1961, they welcomed their first son Glen. In 1964, they welcomed their second son Marlon and in 1970 they welcomed their third son Jason. Throughout the years, they lived in Sioux City, IA, Correctionville, IA, Grinnell, IA and in 1975 they moved to Vermillion, SD. Jana spent most of her days as a busy homemaker. She was an exceptional cook and baker. She loved making homemade jam/jelly and cranberry relish and if you were lucky enough, she shared a jar with you.

Jana enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Her sister and “Best Friend” Norma, were like ‘two peas in a pod’. They never had a disagreement their whole life. Jana was a very special soul and anyone who knew her can attest to her outstanding character as a thoughtful, selfless, loving person. She was a peach, and she will be dearly missed! We were so Blessed to have her in our lives!! She was One of a Kind and Priceless to all!

Jana is survived by her three sons, Glendon (Stephanie) of Vermillion SD, Marlon (Sheryl) of Tremont IL, Jason (Vicki) of Sioux Falls SD; her sister Norma Aiken of Ticonic IA; eight grandchildren: Megan (Jake) Dreiling, Erin (Ryan) Ringsred, Zachary McDonald, Connor (Alison) McDonald, Tyler (Jenna) McDonald, Matthew McDonald, Allyson McDonald and Mason McDonald; and two great grandchildren, Levi and Harvey McDonald.

Jana was preceded in death by her husband James and her parents Glenn and Lavinia Miller

In Lieu of flowers please make donations to Vermillion Food Pantry or Vermillion United Way.