There will be a wake service at 7 p.m. Thursday at the church, with Gladys's sisters leading the rosary. Visitation begins 5 p.m.
Gladys Irene Kaup, daughter of Angeline L. (Wickert) and Frank J. Kaup, was born at Gettysburg on Oct. 13, 1943. She was brought up on the Kaup farm seven miles south and three miles east of Hoven. Her formal education consisted of St. Anthony's Catholic School, Hoven High School, class of 1961, and Stewart's School of Hairstyling in Aberdeen.
Gladys married LaVern Simon at Hoven on June 4, 1963. They settled on their farm five miles south of Hoven. Gladys earned her cosmetology license and began her career as a hairdresser. Over time, she partnered in business and cherished the friendships she formed. After 23 years in the hairstyling business, her eyesight prompted her retirement in 1985. In 1989, she and LaVern moved into Hoven. From 1990-1995, Gladys kept busy babysitting from her home. From 1995-2000, she worked at the dietary department of Holy Infant Hospital in Hoven. God fully intended to extend Gladys's life 15 years ago when she received an anonymous kidney donor transplant. During this extended time, she lived life, cherished memories of children's weddings and the births of all eight grandchildren. Although she never learned who restored her life by donating his or her kidney, she hoped to one day thank them for their "Gift of Life." Gladys belonged to St. Anthony's Church, St. Anthony's Altar Society, South Dakota Right to Life, Hoven Ceramics Club, Koinonia, attended the Catholic religious programs TEC and REC and belonged to the Hoven Prayer Group. Gladys was a great quilter and could sew anything. Music was also important to her as she was a piano player and singer. She also enjoyed shopping (retail therapy) and enjoyed listening to Sioux Falls Storm football games. Gladys especially cherished the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren. She also held a close and special bond with many of her nieces and nephews and valued the times spent with them.
Mrs. Simon is survived by LaVern, her husband of nearly 50 years; one son, Dean (Jill) Simon of Brandon; two daughters: Joy (Bill) Keller of Watertown and Julene (Mike) Schlachter of Gettysburg; three brothers: Ray (Roselyn) Kaup of Sioux Falls, Ronnie (Linda) Kaup and Richard (Mary Jo) Kaup of Hoven; four sisters: Elaine Seurer and Ruby (Darrel) Rausch of Hoven, Darlene Weisgram of Chanhassen, Minn., and Clarice (Vic) VanWell of Watertown; and eight grandchildren: Colin Simon, Alex, Devyn, Lauren, and Molly Keller and Brayden, Nicholas, and Emma Schlachter.
She was preceded in death by her father on Oct. 14, 1988; her mother on Feb. 13, 1989; an infant son, Jody; two brothers: Dean, age 18 and Jerry, age 19 months; and two brothers-in-law: Art Seurer and Art Weisgram.
Casketbearers, all nieces and nephews of Gladys, will be Bev Schaefer and Jason Kaup of Hoven, Bob Seurer of Overland Park, Kan., Colette Giese and Joey Barnett of Aberdeen, Melody Jesse of Huron, Kevin Frost of Blackfoot, Idaho, Doug Van Well of Woodbury, Minn., and Jim Seurer of Watertown.
Please visit MillerLienFH.com to leave an online condolence or to view the tribute video.
Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle, is in charge of arrangements.