Deonne Danforth Filipek -Jerpseth

Deonne (Danforth) Filipek-Jerpseth, age 88, Watertown, died peacefully in her home at Watertown with    family members at her side early Wednesday morning, November 21, 2018.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 4-6 PM with a public prayer service at 6PM led by Mary Filipek all in the Furness Funeral Home Chapel at Clark.  Visitation will continue on Friday at noon in the Church at Watertown.

Funeral services will be held at 2PM Friday, November 30, 2018 in the Cornerstone Church at Watertown with Pastor Paul Kimball officiating. Casketbearers will be her grandchildren, Brian, Jason, and Greg, Jr. Filipek, Michael, Kyle, and Stephanie Jenkins, Cory and Amy Johnson, Jamey, Ryan, Jennifer, Angela, and Brittany Filipek, Nicholas, Logan, and Matthew Filipek, Aaron, Jordan, and Danielle Pallesen, and Laura and Tyler Johnson.  Those that should consider themselves as honorary casketbearers will be the Friends of Encounter, Members of Deonne Marie Fan Club, Members of the Sweetheart Society, All of those in Recovery, Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 1054, Northeast Artists Guild, Prairie Lakes Hospital Hospice and all nieces and nephews.  Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery at Watertown.

Deonne Danforth was born on February 3, 1930 at rural Cavour, the daughter of Wayne and Marie (Beck) Danforth.  She joined her older brother and later was joined by sisters Darlene and Dorraine.  She spent most of her early years in Raymond with brief moves to California and State of Washington for her father's employment during WWII.

Deonne graduated from Raymond High School in 1948.  On September 14, 1948 she was united in marriage to Frank Filipek.  To this union 8 children were born.  During their early years they lived in several towns in Eastern South Dakota due to Frank's teaching career.

Deonne's professional career began as a teacher aid and art teacher in Sisseton during which time she took classes from USD and summer school at Black Hills State.  With her teaching certificate she taught 5 ^th grade at West Side Elementary in Sisseton.  She spoke fondly of her many memories of her experiences at West Side.  One of her many lasting legacies was the seed mural she designed with her students making that is still hanging on the wall at the school in Sisseton.

She then became a grant writer for United Sioux Tribes in Pierre and later becoming a counselor for South Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation Services for 17 years.  In that capacity she became heavily involved in recovery work: alcohol, drugs, Vietnam trauma, and other life issues.

In 1989 she was appointed to be Director of the newly opened Keystone Outreach Center in Watertown.  Deonne and staff did several hundred interventions with most recipients going to treatment.  Her reputation as a tough but loving person really came to the forefront.

In 2009 Deonne was spiritually united in marriage to her twin-flame soulmate- D. L. David Jerpseth.  They enjoyed many wonderful years together going to flea markets, musical concerts, family activities, and helping people recover from their pain.

Deonne had a God given gift and passion for helping any lost soul find peace and comfort through getting to know her Best Buddy – Jesus Christ!.  She was known for her legendary stories-most which no one had ever accomplished.

In 2018 she was blessed with 2 art shows where her work was on display and she was able to share those with others.

Deonne was the 1 ^st Inductee into the Sweetheart Hall of Fame, which was a testament to her life as a SWEETHEART.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Frank, 2 sons, Brian and Greg, and siblings, Don and Dorraine.

Survivors include husband in spirituality David Jerpseth, children, Deb Jenkins, Barb (Doug) Johnson, Daryl (Jennie) Filipek, Doug (Sig) Filipek, Vickie (Jim) Pallesen, and Brenda (Chuck Ruprecht) Johnson; 21 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, a daughter-in-law, Brenda Baumberger and 2 step-children, Rannie Gayon and Sara Jerpseth.

Blessed Be Her Memory!

Funeral arrangements are with the Furness Funeral Home at Clark where there is an on-line registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com