Jean Lynell Cole

COLE JEAN L

Jean Lynell Cole, age 73 of Yankton, SD passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 18, 2025 at her residence.  Memorial services will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Christ Episcopal Church, Yankton, SD with Rev. Mike Newago officiating.  Burial will be in the Dallas Cemetery, Dallas, SD after a light lunch.  Visitations will be one hour prior to the service.  The Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Onsight Crematory, Yankton, SD is honored to be assisting with the service details.  On line condolences may be sent at: www.okfhc.com .

Jean Lynell Cole was born on July 19, 1951, in O’kreek, South Dakota, the second oldest child of Cecil and Leona (Nightpipe) Harsin. She was raised in Gregory, South Dakota, alongside her five brothers and sisters, graduating from Gregory High School in 1969. Jean continued her education at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology, with a minor in religious studies.

Jean dedicated her career to helping others. She began as a teacher at Marty Indian School in Marty, South Dakota, then worked for the Rosebud Indian Tribe, advocating for elderly and disability support. Her commitment to social work led her to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she assisted the homeless and recently released female inmates in acclimating back into society. After a fulfilling career, Jean retired to a quiet life of hobbies and volunteer work, serving as a compassionate companion for hospice care and assisting at the Mead Museum.

Jean was passionate about sewing, quilting, knitting, cooking, creating beautiful quilts, clothing, and knitting hats for her family. She will be fondly remembered for her delicious fried chicken, caramel rolls, and fry bread. A dedicated historian and compassionate storyteller, Jean poured her heart into an unpublished book that preserved the rich history and often painful experiences of Native Americans, particularly focusing on their time in boarding schools.

A cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Jean leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her devoted children, Douglas (Alayna) Cole Jr. of Burke, Virginia; Wendi (Brock) Cole of Flagstaff, Arizona; and Dhani Cole of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Jean was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Cecil Harsin and Leona (Nightpipe) Harsin, as well as her siblings Arylin Harsin, Leigh (Randy) Lyon, and Cecil (Louie) Lewis Harsin Jr. She is survived by her loving siblings Lynda (Tom) Ehrich and Jim Harsin. Her beloved grandchildren include Brittany, Alexandra, Tyler, Abigail, Calvin, Charlotte, Reese, Eliot, and Ferris, several great-grandchildren, step-mother Linda Harsin (Simmons) and sister-in law Michelle Harsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Mead Museum.