Archived Services

Jean E. Paa
07-14-2008

Jean E. Paa, 95, a former local business woman, died July 14, 2008, at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls. Jean E. Vroman was born April 30, 1913 in Sioux Falls where she grew up, received her education and where she was a lifelong resident. In 1939 she married John J. Paa. He died in April of 1980. Her first employment was with the Credit Bureau of Sioux Falls followed by eleven years with the Mutual Benefit Farm Loan Branch Office. She was a pioneer in the private employment agency field in Sioux Falls and opened an office in 1949. She was instrumental in organizing the South Dakota Employment Agency Association and served as president for three years. She retired from business in 1976 and continued to make her home in Sioux Falls. She was named 1970 Woman of the Year by the American Business Women's Association and was one of six Sioux Falls business women featured in the book "Women Speak for Themselves" compiled by the American Association of University Women, S. F. Branch, in connection with the 1976 Bicentennial Commission. She was a long-time member of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, joining in 1950. She was a charter member of the first Women's Division of the Chamber of Commerce organized in 1971. She was a member of the Sioux Falls Woman's Club, American Legion Aux., Avera McKennan Hospital Auxiliary, Prince of Peace Auxiliary, a long-time member of Altrusa Club and the Girls Club and was a member of her replica orologi church group at Church of St. Mary. She is preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents and three sisters, Margaret Phelps, Louise Bullock and Doris Marschall. She is survived by her niece Mrs. Kathy Grantham of Coon Rapids, MN., her nephews Kevin Marschall of Eagan, MN., and Raymond Powell of Hailey, Idaho, and other nieces and nephews. Memorials may be directed to Dow Rummel Village. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 18th, 1:00 PM in the Halladay Chapel at Dow-Rummel Village. A private family burial is planned.