Kathleen A. JohnsonKathleen A. Johnson died on June 8, 2017 at the age of 87 years.Kathleen Avis Haberling was born on May 15, 1930 in Faulkton, South Dakota to Fred Haberling and Katherine (Neu) Haberling. Kathleen (nick named Sue by her brother Bill) lived out her childhood on the family farm homesteaded by her grandparents near Orient, South Dakota. When she was 14 years old, she and her family moved from the family farm to Miller, South Dakota. There she attended High School. In 1948, she graduated; thereafter she continued her education at St. John's School of Nursing in Huron, South Dakota. She became a registered nurse in 1952 and served at hospitals and clinics in South Dakota and California. In the early 70s she was the Director of Nurses at the Rapid City Rehabilitation Hospital. On June 9, 1972, the hospital was caught in the middle of the Rapid City flood. The hospital was full with scores of patients, no water and no electricity. She led her team of nurses, aides and volunteers in caring for the sick and elderly until services were restored. She recalled that job as her most fulfilling and challenging. Later in life, she obtained bachelor degrees at Black Hills State College. She changed careers but continued to use her nursing training and experience as a quality control and compliance inspector first for The South Dakota Medicaid program and thereafter with the Federal Medicare program. As she changed jobs, she moved from Rapid City to Pierre and then to Denver, Colorado.Kathleen retired in 1996 and continued to reside in Denver until 1999. Two difficult illnesses led her to move to Sioux Falls, South Dakota where her son and his family lived. Here she developed a close and loving relationship with granddaughter Kira Johnson. She provided an abundance of support to her son Tom and her daughter in law Susan in caring for and assisting Kira. With "Grandma Kate's" nightly assistance, Kira graduated from High School and went on to college. Throughout Kathleen's life she was active in and a supporter of Lutheran churches in Orient, Miller, Redfield, San Luis Obispo, Rapid City, Pierre, Denver and Sioux Falls. She taught Sunday School for over 20 years and was active in Bible Study groups and in the Women's Circle throughout her life. As her health declined and she became more housebound, Gloria Dei Church returned that support through its pastors and members, particularly Pastor Robert O'Connor, Parish Nurse Judy Schwerin and Stephens Minister Roz Bainbridge. Her family is very grateful for the support and love from Gloria Dei. Though Kathleen did not speak of her faith frequently, her savior has always been and is now at her side. Kathleen is survived by her son, Thomas; daughter-in-law Susan; granddaughter Kira; sister Marjean (Tom) Rogers and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents Fred and Katherine Haberling, her brother William Haberling, and nephew David Haberling preceded her in death.The family has suggested that memorials be directed to the Gloria Dei Stephens Ministry program or to the Dougherty Hospice House.Visitation with the family present will be from 4 to 6 pm on Monday, June 12, 2017, at the Miller Southside Chapel, 7400 South Minnesota Avenue. A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. www.millerfh.com