Jean Mildred McGlone

Jean McGlone passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on March 4, 2026, at the Flandreau Hospital. She lived a life defined by faith and unwavering devotion to her family.

A Visitation will be held March 8 from 5:00–6:00 PM with a Wake Service following at 6:00 PM at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau.

The Funeral Mass will be held March 9 at 10:30 AM at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church in Flandreau, with graveside service and lunch to follow.

Jean was born on February 11, 1937, in Alton, Iowa, to Henry and Callista Pottebaum. As a young child, she moved with her family to Flandreau, South Dakota, where she grew deep roots. She graduated from Flandreau High School in 1955.

Jean pursued her calling in nursing, completing her training at Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, South Dakota—a profession she would carry with dedication and compassion throughout her life. Upon graduation, she married Mark McGlone, the love of her life, on October 11, 1958.

Soon after, Jean and Mark embarked on an adventure that took them across the United States and around the world through Mark’s military career. Together, they lived in many states and overseas, including Germany and Taiwan, embracing new cultures and experiences along the way. During these years, they were blessed with four children. Wherever they landed, Jean made their home warm, welcoming, and never short on love. Their four children were raised with strong values, steady guidance, and, on occasion, the memorable encouragement of a wooden spoon.

After Mark’s retirement in 1978, Jean and Mark returned to Flandreau to raise their children in the hometown they loved so dearly, developing lifelong friendships. Jean continued her nursing career, always caring for others with skill and kindness, including at Riverview Manor, where she ended up residing in the last 2–3 years of life. Together, Jean and Mark also owned and operated the Spot Drive-In, providing not only a family business but employment and life lessons for all four of their children.

Marrying into an Irish family, while proudly holding onto her German roots, Jean enjoyed blending traditions and personalities. She and Mark hosted legendary St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for many years, opening their home to friends, green beer, and laughter. Though proud of her German heritage, Jean’s Irish spirit shone brightly. Right up to her final days, she could still be found cheering for Notre Dame football.

Jean was deeply involved in her church and community, giving generously of her time through various church ministries at Ss. Simon and Jude, Catholic Daughters of America, and P.E.O. Even after retiring from nursing, Jean never slowed down. She filled her days with golf, quilting, card games, mahjong, book club, and monthly birthday gatherings, cherishing the friendships she built along the way.

Family was at the heart of Jean’s life. Holidays and reunions were especially dear to her, often filled with card games, laughter, and lively competition. Jean rarely arrived at a family function without her signature boxed wine and was always ready to challenge anyone to a hand of cards, creating moments her family will treasure forever.

Jean is survived by her four children: Colleen Davis of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Marjorie (Dewey) Scheurer of St. Michael, Minnesota; Timothy (Jennifer) McGlone of Durham, North Carolina; and Susan (Ken) Rausch of Underwood, Minnesota. She was a proud grandmother to 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Anne Sorenson of Atlanta, Georgia.

Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mark McGlone; her parents, Henry and Callista Pottebaum; and her siblings, James Pottebaum and Ellen Gannon.

Jean’s life was one of service, devotion, friendship, and love. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, Jean requested memorials be made to Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church, Flandreau PEO, Moody County Library, Flandreau Golf Club, Crystal Theater, Moody County Museum, or the Flandreau Public School.