Jane Elsie Andersen

June 22, 1938 – August 10, 2026

Jane Elsie Andersen, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and woman of unwavering faith, passed away on August 10, 2026, at the age of 88. Her life was marked by a deep love for Jesus, an extraordinary devotion to her family, a heart for serving others, and a wonderful ability to find joy and laughter in life’s simplest moments.

Jane was born on June 22, 1938, in the Andersen farmhouse southeast of Newell, South Dakota, nestled along the Belle Fourche River, to Martin and Elsie (Urene) Andersen. She was the youngest of five children, joining brothers Bobby (Gertie) and Tommy (Phyllis), and sisters Betty (Morris) and Beatrice (Alexander), affectionately known as “Dearie.” All have since passed.

Jane treasured her childhood on the farm. She helped her mother make jams, bake, and care for the household, and she loved exploring the land along the river. Her father often warned her to stay away from the river, and Jane was thrilled when she was old enough to ride her horse across it to help bring the cows home. She also loved searching through ant hills along the river, where turquoise beads were often found.

Jane attended a small country school serving kindergarten through eighth grade and often rode her horse to school. She remembered those years fondly, including the many adventures of growing up in a rural community.

Jane’s childhood was marked by both joy and tremendous loss. Her mother passed away during Jane’s eighth-grade year. Jane remained home with her father during what would have been her freshman year before he encouraged her to be around more people and continue her education. She went on to attend Lead High School. Her father passed away during her sophomore year, and Jane lived with friends and family until she graduated.

Jane has five children, all whom she loved deeply. Rocky Rantapaa (Margie), Rory Rantapaa (Gloria), Rodney Rantapaa (Lisa), Michelle Essink (Dan) and Troy Andersen.

Jane co-owned and operated the underground Inferno Bar for more than 11 years, a time that gave her many fun and cherished memories. Throughout her life, she was deeply devoted to caring for others. Jane helped raise her nephew, Matt Hafner throughout his teenage years after his mother, Betty Hafner, died in a fire when he was just 3 years old. She worked in the kitchen at Black Hills State University, cared for foster children, and helped establish the Home Health Care chapter of the Black Hills. She found great meaning in this work and was honored with awards in recognition of her dedicated service to others.

Retirement brought Jane new opportunities to give back to her community. She volunteered at the elementary school, assisting teachers and encouraging children. Many of those children affectionately came to know her as “Grandma Jane.” She also volunteered at the Homestake Opera House and the Art Gallery, all of which blessed her with wonderful friendships.

Jane’s great joy was her family. They were everything to her and she considered each of them to be her greatest blessing. Her grandchildren—Matthew (Sara), Amanda (Patrick), Jenessa (Tommy), Larissa (Ray), Chelsey (Matt), Jessie (Chandler), Kirsten (Solomon), Tori (Chad), Heather (Phil), Jenna, Ty, Justin and Faith—and the beautiful families they created brought her immeasurable happiness.

Above all else, Jane loved Jesus. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She wanted nothing more than for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to know the love of Jesus and the promise of salvation through Him.

In her own words, Jane wrote:

“Lord, I trust you with my children! I trust you with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they are precious to you too. They are little gifts from You!”

The final years of Jane’s life were not easy as Parkinson’s disease gradually took hold of her earthly body. Yet she never complained. She continued to smile and faced each day with quiet trust in her Heavenly Father’s plan. Her children often reminded her that God had a purpose in keeping her here as long as He did: to touch the lives of the many wonderful caregivers who walked beside her throughout her Parkinson’s journey.

Jane’s family takes comfort in knowing that she is now completely healed and at peace in her Heavenly home. She leaves behind a legacy of deep faith, love, service, laughter, resilience, and devotion to family. She is deeply missed by her family and the many people whose lives she touched.

“She was a wonderful mother.”