Memorial Services for Sister Janice Klein

Sister Janice Klein, 77, a Sister of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, died Monday, February 12, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice House, Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian Burial, 10am, Friday, February 16, 2024 at St. Mary’s Parish, 2109 S. 5th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105. Visitation one hour prior to service. Scriptural Wake Service is at 6pm, Thursday, February 15, 2024 at George Boom Funeral Home, 3408 E. 10th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103. Visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. Services will be live-streamed, and a link to a recorded funeral service will be available at www.georgeboom.com. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Aberdeen, SD.

Janice Marie Klein was born January 25, 1947, in Dell Rapids, SD to Mildred (Gebhart) and Clarence Klein and grew up on the family farm in Dell Rapids. She began her faith journey at St Mary’s High School. She entered the Presentation Convent on January 25, 1966 and professed her vows on August 10, 1968.

Sister Janice received an associate degree from Presentation College, Aberdeen, SD and a Bachelor of Education from the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, MN. She shared her love of learning by enriching the lives of hundreds of elementary students in Aberdeen and Mitchell. She furthered her education receiving a Masters in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University, Chicago, IL and a Doctorate of Ministry from St. Mary of Lake Seminary, Mundelein, IL. For 14 years, she served as a pastoral minister in the Chicago area where she accompanied parishioners on their faith journey, privileged to walk with them in times of both joy and sorrow.

In 1992, Sister Janice returned to Aberdeen and started the Sisters’ Development Ministry, sharing the Presentation mission and charism with all she met and inviting partners to share in our mission. She served in Presentation Sisters’ congregational leadership, on the council 1994-1998 and as their President 2014-2022. Sister Janice was instrumental in our chapel renovation and creating the Mary Garden. Her gentle spirit imbued her leadership as a member of the board at Presentation College, Avera and Bishop Dudley Hospitality House.

Sister Janice was loved and revered by many people and was known as compassionate, loving, caring, wise, and peaceful as well as a keen listener and mentor. Embodying discernment she lived fully as a contemplative in action. Sister Janice loved being in nature, walking, gardening and reading. She once said, “One of my greatest joys is to hold infants.”

Sister Janice wants to thank her Avera medical teams for their outstanding service and compassionate care.

Sister Janice is survived by her family of Presentation Sisters and her siblings: JoAnn (Jim) Dawe, Jane (David Fisch) Klein, Joyce (Bob) Hericks, Jerry (Jeanne) Klein, and sister-in-law Agnes Klein and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother John Klein and her grand niece Amara Strande.

Memorials may be directed to Presentation Sisters ministry Caminando Juntos or Bishop Dudley Hospitality House.