Gloria Jean Christopherson

Gloria Jean (Anderson) Christopherson, 78, passed away at her home in Vermillion, South Dakota on February 26, 2026 after a lengthy struggle with kidney disease.

Gloria was born in Astoria, Oregon on August 21, 1947 to Wallace and Glendae (Block) Anderson, from Yankton, SD. She moved with her family to Vermillion at the age of 10—a place that would remain her lifelong home and the center of her heart. Gloria graduated high school from VHS in 1965 and attended college at the University of South Dakota, where she became a lifelong member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority.

On June 8, 1968, Gloria married the boy next door and life mate, Daniel Dallas Christopherson, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vermillion. Together they built a life grounded in community, hard work, and family, raising two children: Michael Dallas Christopherson (born 1970) and Megan Jo Christopherson (born 1974).

Gloria was best known as an entrepreneur and the longtime owner of The Nook ’n Cranny, a beloved shop in downtown Vermillion that she ran for an incredible 45 years. More than a business, the Nook ‘n Cranny was an extension of Gloria herself—warm, welcoming, thoughtful, and full of charm. She had a true gift for making people feel seen and special, whether through the perfect gift, a beautifully decorated space, or a heartfelt conversation. Customers quickly became friends, and friends felt like family.

A devoted grandmother, Grandma Gloria, “GG” adored her four grandchildren: Truman Daniel, Dallas David, Presley Jo, and Marley Jeannette. She delighted in celebrating them and took joy in every milestone, holiday, and gathering.

Gloria loved music, decorating, and hosting parties—she never needed much of a reason to celebrate. Gift-giving was one of her love languages, and she had a remarkable ability to turn ordinary moments into something meaningful. Her home and her store were places where people felt welcomed, remembered, and cared for. Gloria’s legacy lives on in the family she loved fiercely, the community she helped shape, and the countless lives she touched with her laughter, generosity, creativity, and warmth.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Dan, son Michael (Keri) Christopherson of Nashville, TN, daughter Megan Jo (Brad Anderson) of Sioux Falls, SD, sister Nancy Jo (Greg) Pickering of Ft. Worth, TX, sister Peggy (Frank) Moore of Savannah, GA, sister-in-law Sally Turner, brother-in-law Tim (Nancy) Christopherson all of Sioux Falls, her 4 grandchildren, and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, Dallas & Deanie Christopherson, and nephew, Justin Pickering.

Please wear something pink to honor Gloria's favorite color. Memorials can be directed to Clay County Historical Society or the educational funds of her grandchildren.