John Gering, 68
John Charles Gering was born March 31, 1957 to Glenn and Vivian (Brockmueller) Gering in Freeman, S.D. He passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025 at Ava’s Hospice House in Sioux Falls, S.D., at the age of 68.
John was born blind, with multiple developmental disabilities. During the five years John lived at home, he attended Salem Mennonite Church with his family. At age two, when he was referred to Rochester, Minn., for testing, the medical team strongly recommended John receive round-the-clock services given his profound level of need. When he was five, John moved to South Dakota Developmental Center at Redfield, S.D., where he spent the next five years.
On June 15, 1967, John transferred to Custer State Hospital where he resided for 20 years. He loved visits from his family, especially outings in the gentle breeze and sun, listening to birdsong and the babbling brook. From time to time, John’s cousins went along on these visits. His sister Peggy spent the summer of 1981 at Custer for a college field experience, and cherished this season together.
In 1987, John moved back to Redfield for another 13 years. There he was baptized Oct. 28, 1990 at All Faiths Chapel by Rev. K. Main. John was deeply moved by hymns and worship music. He keenly sensed the spirit of the Lord throughout his life.
DakotAbilities in Sioux Falls welcomed John on June 11, 2002, where he lived for 23 years. John flourished under the high level of care he received. Favorite activities included swimming, Miracle League baseball, chapel services, concerts, Trent River Farm, the Butterfly House, Turner County Fair, time outdoors, and listening to music. He especially appreciated his nephews playing instruments and singing for him during family visits.
In early October 2024, John was diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease. On April 8, John moved to Ava’s House for his final two months. John quickly became a favorite, blessing their days as they also blessed him.
Important to John throughout his life was his family, bonds with staff, caretakers, and other residents, spending time outdoors, and his pervading love of all kinds of music.
As his light faded, someone remarked that John had spent his years in a life of service. John inspired his Mom and Dad to pioneer support and services for special needs families in rural South Dakota and beyond. He taught others compassion. He modeled contentment. He brought sunshine and laughter to those who cared for him. He captured the hearts of student volunteers, impacting their future and the future of our world. Even in his final chapter, John lifted the spirits of hospice workers in an environment often filled with pain and despair. His entire life, John served as an instrument drawing others closer to Christ.
Preceding him in death were his parents and grandparents. Left to remember him are his sister, Peggy Li; brother-in-law Jasper; nephews Nathan (Paige) and Joshua. Jasper’s family also cared deeply for John; Yanshan Li and Shuxian Sun, Rachel Li, and the Wang family – Jason, Amanda, Sam, Esther, Joyce and Faith; along with his uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of others his life touched.
