Gladys Simantel, 73
Gladys Marie Simantel, 73, of Freeman, S.D., died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at the Freeman Regional Health Services nursing home surrounded by family. A funeral will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethany Mennonite Church of Freeman. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Monday, Nov. 25 at the church with a time of sharing at 7 p.m. A full obituary to be posted soon.
Gladys was born Sept. 23, 1951 to Wilbert and Tabea Schaeffer in Scotland, S.D. She was the oldest of six girls. As an infant, she was baptized at the Saron Reformed Church, rural Menno, S.D.
Gladys grew up on a farm southwest of Freeman. She was a farm girl through and through, being especially fond of cows. Gladys attended Progressive #21 Country School west of Freeman through 8th grade and later earned her GED.
Gladys married the love of her life, Gary Simantel on October 26, 1969 in Menno, SD at the Salem Reformed Church by Reverend Odenback. To this union two daughters were born. Kristi (Ron) Diede, Menno, SD and Shelly (Rodger) Horr, Sioux Falls, SD.
Gladys wore many hats during her career. She loved going to work, connecting with people, and helping others. Her smile and friendly attitude made an impression on everyone she met. She was the unofficial “Hostess” throughout her career bringing snacks, holiday decorations, and joy and laughter to the work place. Gladys was employed for many years at Bert Tieszen
Chiropractic, Pine Hill Printing Press, Freeman Shopping Center, Stern Oil, and the Salem Mennonite Home.
Gladys was a huge Freeman supporter and helped out wherever needed. She spent many years volunteering on various groups including: Bethany Mennonite Youth leader, Bethany Mennonite music committee, Jayceettes, Freeman Summer Recreation Board, and chair of the Winter Fair committee. Gladys had the “gift to gab” and used it to the fullest by participating in many speaking engagements. She was often asked to speak at church functions and civic groups. She also would perform in character as “Gladine” and “Lena” and would make surprise appearances at pep rallies, birthday and anniversary parties, pretty much wherever she was asked.
Gladys was a friend to all and was both a mother and a grandmother to those who weren’t related to her. She was loved by many and will never be forgotten for her laugh and smile. There was no better cheerleader for her grandkids and their friends in all events. Gladys found joy in everyday activities and was known to cheer and applaud often, even after table prayers. Her phrase of “yeah-yeah” was a staple in her family and known by many.
Gladys will be remembered for her positive outlook on life. Family meant everything to Gladys. She showered unconditional love upon her husband, daughters, son in laws, grandchildren, sisters, brother in laws, nieces and nephews and friends. If you were lucky enough to know Gladys…you’d never forget her.
Happy to cherish her memory are her husband Gary Simantel, daughters: Kristi (Ron) Diede, Shelly (Rodger) Horr, grandchildren: Ashton (Dan) McGee, Jackson (Monica) Diede, Raygen Diede, Zachary Horr and Connor Horr, great grandchildren: Navy Diede and baby McGee (due March 2025), sisters: Shirley (Gerald) Rempp; Yankton, Mary (Jerry) Schilling; Lennox, Caroline (Marvin) Ackerman; Viborg, and Bonnie (Merrill) Watson; Freeman. Many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert and Tabea Schaeffer, In-laws Ervin and Olive Simantel, Sister Twila Kribell, Brother in-law Vince Kribell, Sister-in-law Shirley Vavruska and Brother-in-law Eugene Vavruska, Brother-in-law Larry Simantel and Sister-in-law Wanda Simantel, and nephew Dean Watson.
The family of Gladys Simantel would like to thank the staff of Freeman Regional health services and nursing home as well as AseraCare Hospice for the excellent care Gladys received the past several months. She adored you all.
