Jean McClane

Dates

Obituary

Jean McClane, 89, of Letcher, SD, died Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at her home under hospice care. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 15, from 4-7:00 PM at the Letcher Community Center.

Jean Faye (Tapken) McClane, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on September 7, 1936, in Storla, SD. She attended Letcher Public School and later made her home in Letcher, where she and her husband, Darwin, built a life filled with family, friendship, hard work, and love.

Jean was a woman who was always willing to help. She was ambitious, hardworking, and generous with her time and talents. Throughout her life, she worked as a school cook, bus driver, classroom aide, certified nurse’s aide, cake decorator, and most recently, as a cook at Buckshots. No matter the job, Jean brought her caring nature and willingness to serve others.

Family was at the heart of Jean's life. She loved her children, grand/great grandchildren, family, and friends unconditionally and took great pride in all of them. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities and cheering them on. Her family will forever treasure the countless memories made around her kitchen table and in her home.

Jean enjoyed cooking, baking, decorating cakes, playing cards, gardening, and yardwork. She found joy in the simple things—working in her garden, preparing a meal for those she loved, visiting with friends, and spending time with her family.

Jean is survived by her children, Christy (Joe) Treib and Kelly McClane; grandchildren, Jarod (Sheila) Treib, Garett Treib, and Alison (Bob) Hansen; and great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Sage Treib, and Carlee, Carter, and Piper Hansen; brother, Jay Tapken, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Darwin McClane; her parents, Henry and Pearl Tapken; her in-laws, Lyla and Glen McClane; and her sister, JoAnne Armstrong.

Jean leaves behind a legacy of love, determination, kindness, and devotion to her family. Her willingness to help others and her unconditional love will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

“Enjoy every sandwich.”

Visitation(s)