SIOUX CITY–Rebecca Lynne (Blomquist) Johnson, age 83, passed away October 24, 2024, at home in South Sioux City after a brief cancer battle, surrounded in her final days by her adoring family.

Becky was born July 9, 1941, in Hanska, MN to Algot and Evelyn (Ouren) Blomquist. She and her eight siblings grew up in the white house by the park in Hanska, a home filled with music, laughter, storytelling, and the deep love of a large extended family.

Becky graduated from Hanska High School in 1959, valedictorian of her class, a bragging right she shared as often as possible, especially with her grandchildren. We got a good laugh when they reminded her that her class had only five students. She was also a Hanska cheerleader, quick to break into cheer whenever the moment was right. She loved to entertain and make everyone around her laugh.

After high school, Becky moved to Minneapolis with girlfriends and worked for the telephone company. Here she met her beloved Allen. They were married January 12, 1962, at Nora Church in Hanska. They began their life together in New Ulm, MN, where son Darron, and daughters Saundi and Stacie were born. A new job for Allen took them to South Sioux City soon after. With a bit of heartache, Becky left her large family in Minnesota and built a life in Nebraska. She worked nights at Blue Cross Blue Shield and was the ultimate mom by day. They soon found their “Nebraska family” in the wonderful neighbors of 29th Street.

Becky and Allen welcomed daughter Jae in the early SSC years, then daughter Shana in Sioux Falls, SD, when Al’s career required another move. They eventually made their way back to South Sioux, where he worked the rest of his career for Great West Casualty Company, and Becky embraced her job as mom, homemaker, and cheerleader in her kids’ lives.

Becky’s superpower was caring for everyone around her. She was the ever-present supporter; baseball, golf, swimming, cub scouts, tennis, basketball, volleyball, band, whatever the event, Becky was there. Behind the scenes, she was room mom, booster club member, and scout leader, making many pans of scotcheroos for every function. Her children’s friends share how welcome they felt in Becky’s home, the pizza bread and popcorn balls served with her signature smile.

Even as her five kids left the nest, Becky was a frequent visitor with uber Dad, showering grandkids with love and attending their many activities. They looked forward to visits from “beautiful and shapely Gramma Becky,” baggies of their favorite treats stashed in her purse. When she wasn’t visiting, regular phone calls kept us connected. She was “the hub” for our family and her large extended family. Her heart was big enough to care for and take sincere interest in every person she met.

Some of Mom and Dad’s happiest years were those in which Great West trips brought them to fun destinations like North Carolina, California, and Vegas. They loved trips together, and we loved the stories they shared. But the place nearest and dearest to Mom’s heart was Pelican Lake. On the sands of Pelican she was the very best of each of her roles, wife to an adoring husband who’s own slice of heaven was the lake, mom to each of us kids as we made special memories in a place we all love, sister and aunt to her beloved siblings, nieces and nephews, many who were neighbors in the cabins of Golden Pine, and as a lover of nature. The call of the loons, the eagles soaring overhead, the sparkling waters, the beautiful sunsets, she had camera in hand to capture it all. As she liked to remind us, “Faith can be found in nature.”

Becky was everything. Somehow she was everywhere we needed her to be, and we know that even in death, she will continue to be.

Becky was preceded in death by husband Allen; daughter Saundi Fugleberg; parents Evelyn and Algot Blomquist; in laws Erma and Harold Johnson; sisters Arline, Muriel and Rosie; brothers Algot, Denny and Skeeter; sisters-in-law Bonita, Ardie and Joyce; brothers-in-law Virgil, Lee, Hilmer, Harlan, Bruce and Mert.

Becky is survived by son Darron (Cindy) Johnson; son-in-law Lace Fugleberg; daughters Stacie Johnson, Jae (Aaron) Tasler, and Shana (Corey) Erdkamp; grandchildren Cale Fugleberg and Dane (Brittany) Fugleberg; Erica Johnson (Carter) and Alicia Johnson; Bradie Johnson; Emma and Sam Tasler; Colby, Jace and Tanner Erdkamp; great-grandchildren Harlyn and Bennett Fugleberg; Lennon and Mila Fugleberg; brother and sister-in-law Dick and Yvonne Blomquist; sister-in-law Alice Blomquist; brother and sister-in-law Warren and Yvonne Blomquist; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ken and Sandy Johnson; sister-in-law JoAn Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

Becky’s wishes are for a private family burial at Nora Church in Hanska. Our family would like to thank all of her loved ones who have showered us with love and support during these difficult few weeks and throughout her lifetime.

Memorials preferred to Nora Church.

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