FLORENCE MCGUIRE

Florence V. McGuire, 99, of Jefferson, South Dakota, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jefferson, SD with Father Kevin Doyle and Fr. Ken Lulf officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the church, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Florence was born on October 4, 1925, in Dante, SD to Joseph and Helen (Karolevitz) Havranek. She graduated from Avon High School and later attended Springfield College. On July 3, 1950, she married Robert McGuire in Wagner, SD. They made their home in Jefferson beginning in 1953 and shared a loving marriage together until his passing in 2003.

Throughout her life, Florence was dedicated to serving others. She was a teacher for three years in a one-room schoolhouse in Charles Mix County, SD until her marriage. After moving to Jefferson, Florence worked in the office of Doctors Tracy and Hirsch. She also worked in the office of the radiology department at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Her final position was as a postal clerk at the Jefferson Post Office for 33 years, where she retired in 2009 at the age of 83. She was well-known in the community for her kind spirit, cheerful demeanor, and commitment to helping others.

Florence was a faithful member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, where she was recently referred to as “the matriarch of the parish”. Her deep faith and enduring love for her family were central to her life. She was also a lifetime member of the Catholic Daughters of Americas Court St. Rose of Lima #700 of Wagner/Dante.

Florence was a cherished resident of Jefferson, as their oldest living citizen. She was known as “Granny” by friends and family from near and far. Her grandchildren happily shared their granny with their friends. Florence was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She could be found watching every Twins game, cheering or jeering as she watched. People knew to never call during a Twins game.

Florence is survived by her daughters, Barb (Gary) Shadbolt of Jefferson, SD and Mady (Rory) Johannsen of Madison, SD;sons-in-law,JohnLulf of Elk Point, SD and Larry Whitlock of Jefferson,SD; daughter-in-law, Sherry McGuire of Jefferson, SD; 10 grandchildren: Jason (Cheri) McGuire, Jenni (Randy) McEntaffer, Brian (Kristy) Mc-Guire, Andrea Seaton, Stephanie (Joey) Knutson, Michael (Shannon) Shadbolt, Kevin Johannsen, Ashli Johannsen (Dylan DesLauriers), Cody Whitlock (Shelby Borgers), and Courtney (Cody) Trometer; 23 great-grandchildren (soon to be 24); and many extended family members and friends.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Helen Havranek; her husband, Robert (Bob) McGuire; her parents- in-law, Joseph and Mabel McGuire; her children, Joseph (Mac) McGuire, Sue Lulf, Julie Whitlock, and Robert McGuire (infant); her granddaughter, Amy Shadbolt; her brothers, Joseph, CJ (Jim), and Emmanuel Havranek; her sisters, Olivia Leonard and Mary Irwin; many brothers and sisters-in-law; as well as multiple great-grandchildren.

Kober Funeral Home of Elk Point, SD has been entrusted with the service. Condolences may be posted online to www. koberfuneralhome.com.