Dennis Johnson

****PLEASE NOTE THE TIME OF THE SERVICE HAS BEEN CHANGED TO 10:00AM

Dennis Johnson, 73, of rural Holmquist, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Saturday, May 4, 2024 at his home. 

Funeral services will be 10:00am, Friday, May 10, 2024 at the Webster Armory and will be livestreamed via our Facebook page. Military interment will be at New Sweden Cemetery near Holmquist. 

Visitation will be Thursday, May 9, 2024, 5-7pm closing with a 6:30pm prayer service at the funeral home.

Though flowers are a beautiful gesture, a memorial in Dennis' honor would be much appreciated to one of the following:
New Sweden Cemetery c/o Matt Johnson 42840 143rd St. Webster, SD 57274
Museum of Wildlife, Science, & Industry 760 US Hwy 12 Webster, SD 57274
Prairie Lakes Hospice 401 9th Ave NW Watertown, SD 57401
Andover Threshing Show c/o Matt Johnson 42840 143rd St. Webster, SD 57274

Dennis Alden Johnson was born on October 6, 1950, to Carl and Julaine (Bratager) Johnson at Webster. He was baptized and confirmed at American Lutheran Church in Webster and attended country school near Holmquist until 4^th grade when he continued his education at Webster. Dennis graduated from Webster High School in 1968. He went on to attend Northern State College in Aberdeen until he joined the National Guard from 1972 until his honorable discharge in 1978.

On February 6, 1971, he married Kristine Lundeen at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Bristol. To this union three sons were born, Aaron, Matt, and Ben. The family lived in Holmquist and Bristol before settling on the Carl Johnson homestead in 1976. Dennis farmed alongside his father and brother for many years. As his boys grew up, he instilled the value of farming in them, and that passion has continued for four generations. Kris passed away in 1997. He continued to farm along with his boys and dear friend Mike Harms, who worked alongside Dennis for almost 55 years.

On August 16, 2013, he married Marie Rexius at St. John’s Lutheran Church. This union gifted the couple “bonus children and grandchildren”. Dennis and Marie enjoyed spending summers at Pickerel Lake and winters in Arizona. Dennis formally retired in 2022, but he would often joke, “I started working on the farm for free gas and I’m back working on the farm for free gas!” Farming never truly left his soul, as he was a farmer at heart. His passion for farming continued throughout all his life, passing that deep love of working the land on to his children and grandchildren. He was a mentor to many farmers, friends, and family members.

Dennis served on the American Lutheran Church council and also served on the Webster School Board for ten years. He enjoyed bowling, ice fishing, hunting, and collecting antique tractors. He loved traveling and never turned down a bus trip to a lutefisk feed with his buddy Pete! He was instrumental in the Andover Threshing Show and took great pride in passing that love down to his children and grandchildren. He also loved giving pontoon rides at Pickerel, especially with the grandkids.

Dennis made friends wherever he went. A strong handshake and a beaming smile made everyone feel truly special. He treasured his relationship with his sister, Rita. He loved to give her a hard time, but ohhh the hours they spent reminiscing and solving all the world’s problems. Dennis’ love for his three sons and their respect and admiration for him was evident on a daily basis. The legacy of Johnson Farms will continue to grow and thrive because the roots were deeply planted with kindness, patience, and endless love.  Above all else, Dennis loved his family. His love for life will be a constant inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

Dennis will be forever loved and greatly missed by his wife, Marie Rexius of Webster, SD, sons, Aaron (Sara) Johnson of Bristol, SD, Matt (Melanie) Johnson of Webster, Ben (Nicole) Johnson of Webster, his dear sister, Rita (Jim Mumford) Johnson of Webster, SD, and 11 grandchildren, Logan, Briana, Lloyd, Kennedy, Jersey, Portlyn, Haley, Harley, Rayna, Ryan, and Kru. He will also be missed by his nephew Brian Johnson of Aberdeen, SD, his niece Cindy (Dean) Miller of Highland, MI, as well as his bonus family, Joel (Alyssa Shoemaker) of Webster, SD, Angela Shoemaker of Webster, SD, Charla Shoemaker of Webster, SD, 11 bonus grandchildren, Faith, Cade, Trace, Carter, Cara, Cole, Callie, Chayse, Jack, Drake, and Huck, as well as longtime employee Mike Harms and family of Bristol, SD. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Kris, brother Roger (Linda) Johnson, and bonus sons, John Shoemaker and Jason Shoemaker.