Jerean Ann Walkling was born March 15, 1935, in Todd County, SD. She was the fourth child of six born to Willard and Evelyn Markus. She attended Todd County High School in Mission, SD and was involved in band, cheerleading, choir, and was homecoming queen her senior year.
After graduating high school, she taught rural school and attended college during the summer for two years. She was married on May 25,1955 to Elwin (Al) Walkling at the Lakeview Christian Reformed Church in Lakeview, SD. She taught rural school in the Cherry County school district. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, she began teaching in the Valentine school district and retired from teaching in 1997. Jerean was a lifelong learner and enjoyed teaching children of all ages.
Jerean was active in the Valentine Methodist Church, including church choir, Methodist women’s group, mother/daughter banquet, and jail ministry. She enjoyed hosting bridge club, playing cards, participating in book club, bowling, fitting puzzles, and volunteering at the Cherry County Hospital. She was an avid supporter of University of Nebraska sports.
Many summers were spent at Big Alkali Fish Camp managing the cabins and campground for 17 years, and then having a trailer at the lake to enjoy their retirement. Recently Al and Jerean celebrated their 70th anniversary on May 25.
Jerean was proceeded in death by her parents; brother, Delmar Markus; sister, Neva Asher, and Arliss Connot.
Jerean is survived by her husband Elwin; sister, Vernona Logterman; brother, Llewellyn Markus (Gail); sons, Vance and Vic; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service for Jerean was held Monday, July 14, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Valentine Methodist Church. The burial followed at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine. Visitation was held 1 hour prior to the funeral at the church on Monday. Memorials may be made to Valentine Methodist Church. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of the service arrangements.
