Joan Snow

Joan Rae Snow (Sylliaasen), aged 90, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at Avera Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD.

Born on August 31, 1934, in Yankton, SD. Joan was the beloved daughter of Walter and Eline Sylliaasen (Lien). She grew up in Yankton with her two older brothers, Emerald and Larry. 

Joan attended Yankton High School where she met the love of her life, John Snow.

On April 12, 1953, Joan and John were the first couple married in the new sanctuary of Trinity Lutheran church in Yankton. A marriage that would last for 72 years. John joined the Air Force and they were soon stationed at Harmon AFB in Newfoundland, Canada. Their son, Gary was born in Newfoundland. After John’s military service they returned to South Dakota. They moved to Tyndall, then Madison where sons Derek and Brian joined the family, and then to Sioux Falls. Joan was a self-taught bookkeeper and a natural at helping others. She worked and helped manage Larsen Designs gifts in Sioux Falls for many years. In 1986 they moved to Arroyo Grande on the central coast of California to be near John’s widowed mother and his brother, Darrell. Joan worked and managed at Briscos Gifts in Arroyo Grande for 15 years. She touched the lives of colleagues and countless patrons with her warmth and wisdom. Joan was an expert at helping people find a perfect gift and wrapping it with care.

Joan and John were members of the Elks where they volunteered and enjoyed social gatherings. They enjoyed entertaining friends at home and they hosted many banquets for his staff. They loved to travel and enjoyed many wonderful vacations. John and Joan were active members of the Lutheran church in Sioux Falls at Our Saviors Lutheran and in Arroyo Grande at St. John’s Lutheran. She dedicated many hours to volunteering at Children's Hospital (now known as Lifescape) and her church throughout her life. When her boys were young, she taught Sunday school in Madison and Sioux Falls.

Joan and John eventually retired and in 2006, after 20 years in Arroyo Grande, they returned to live in Sioux Falls to be near family. Gary and Derek and their families were now nearby and John and Joan quickly became hosts to family gatherings and celebrations in their lovely home. Joan and John were blessed with many grandchildren. 

John and Joan moved to an apartment at Touchmark assisted living in 2022. They enjoyed the loving care of the staff, activities, wonderful food and making many new friends.

Joan had a passion for solving jigsaw and crossword puzzles. She enjoyed reading biographies of people who help make the world a better place. She was a member of the Jobs Daughters, Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), and Children's Auxiliary (Lifescape). Joan Rae leaves behind a legacy of love and service. Her unwavering dedication to God, her family, and community will be cherished. Her kindness, joyous smile, generosity, and unyielding spirit and wit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 72 years - John Snow, her two brothers, her father and mother-in-law and one brother-in-law.

Joan is survived by their three sons; Gary Snow (Barbara Geise), Derek Snow (Kim Edwards), Brian Snow. John’s sister, June Lee resides in Indiana. Brother, Darrell Snow (Carol) resides in California. Eight grandchildren; Sarah Snow (Jason Ellis), Jessi Snow (Josh Koenigsberg), Erin Snow (Shea McGreevy), Nikki Winklepleck (Cory), Valerie Narum (Nicholas), Justin Boon (Sarah Edison), Emily Snow, Ian Snow (Morgan Monzingo). Nine Great Grandchildren; Dylan Ellis (Darion), Brendan Ellis (Nadine), Landon Ellis, Lauren Ellis, twins Victor and Olivia Narum, Eric Boon, Tristan Winklepleck, Jackson Edison AND one Great Great Grandchild, Freyja Ellis all of whom brought immense joy to her life.

A funeral service will be held on August 28th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, with a reception to follow. Following the reception, a procession and graveside service will be held at Yankton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Joan requested that donations be made to Lifescape (lifescapesd.org) and American Heart Association (heart.org). Please support your local charities by volunteering.

John and Joan and their family have immense gratitude and love for the many hard working, kind and loving therapists, nurses, doctors, assisted living caregivers, food servers, cooks, custodians, house keepers, office admins and management, service and care providers who made them comfortable and loved in their final years. Our family has been greatly touched by the wonderful souls at Touchmark Assisted Living, Cornerstone Care, Avera In-home Hospice and Dougherty Hospice house, Sanford Health system of doctors, clinics, and hospital care, and Encompass Health Rehabilitation.