Myrna Gottsleben

Myrna Gottsleben, age 91, of Philip, South Dakota, died on Monday, November 29, 2021 at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip.

Myrna Mae (Coleman) Gottsleben was born April 27, 1930, to Fay and Annette “Babe” Coleman in Philip, South Dakota. Myrna grew up and lived in the Grindstone area of Haakon County most of her life. She graduated from Quinn High School in May 1949 and attended Black Hills State University that summer. Her teaching career began at a rural school in Haakon County in 1950.

Myrna was united in marriage to James “Jim” Gottsleben on November 29, 1952, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip. To this union five children were born: Sharon, Kathy, Barbara, Carolyn, and Bill. Myrna stayed at home raising and caring for their children as well as helping Jim on the Gottsleben Homestead. Over the years she also worked as a substitute teacher in nearby rural schools where she had the opportunity to teach some of her children and grandchildren.

Myrna was very active in various community groups and organizations in which she took on many leadership roles, showing great pride and commitment. Clubs and organizations she belonged to are Grindstone Womens’ Club, Farmer’s Union Cooperative (local, district and state levels), 4-H, Philip Cancer Support Group, The Relay for Life (Ladybug Team), and Bad River Senior Citizen Center. She played an integral part in involving her children and grandchildren in 4-H, Farmer’s Union Cooperative, and The Relay for Life. Myrna was a strong and faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, Sacred Heard Evening Guild, and assisted with religious education throughout the years. 

Family and social gatherings were a highlight to Myrna. She was always ready for a card game--or any game for that matter. Bridge and Quarters were special favorites. Myrna had many dear friends whom she treasured and met with regularly. She enjoyed her morning coffee. Myrna was a great cook, loved helping on the farm, and was never afraid to speak her mind! Her grandkids and great grandkids were her greatest blessings. 

In 2005, Jim and Myrna sold the ranch to their son, Bill. They then moved to Philip where she had since resided.

Grateful for sharing her life include her son William “Bill” Gottsleben and his wife Jayne of Philip; daughters, Sharon Baxter and her husband Darwin of Erie, CO, Kathy Gottsleben of Rapid City, SD, Barbara Larsen and her husband Carl of Caputa, SD, and Carolyn Brooks and her husband Jim of Dupree, SD; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Marvin Coleman and his wife Phyllis of Quinn, SD; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Bob, Alvin, Alice, and Patty; granddaughter, Chana Gottsleben; grandson, Jerry Larsen; and the love of her life, Jim Gottsleben.

She left this world peacefully on their 69th wedding anniversary ready to celebrate their reunion in Heaven.

Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 3 p.m. Friday, December 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip with Father Gary Oreshoski as celebrant assisted by Deacon Lloyd Frein.

Interment followed at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

 Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.