Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Prev article
Weekend feature
Next article
Willard August Malchow
Time to read
1 minute
Read so far

Rodger E. Johnson

Posted in:

YANKTON, S.D. — Rodger E. Johnson, 89, Yankton, S.D., died Aug. 20, 2019, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton.

Visitation, with a Masonic service by the St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 1, was Aug. 23 at the Wintz and Ray Funeral Home, Yankton, and continued one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Funeral services were Aug. 24, at First United Methodist Church, Yankton, with Rev. Ron Johnson officiating.

Burial was in the Garden of Memories Cemetery, Yankton.

Pallbearers were Michael Johnson, Corey Johnson, Tyler Colvin, Nels Johnson, Dustin Johnson, Blake Johnson, Bryan Roemmich and Chad Miller.

Honorary pallbearers were Stephanie Miller, Rachel Roemmich, Nicole Welch, Alexa Johnson, Katie Johnson, Elizabeth Johnson, Jodi Johnson, Allison Colvin and Jessica Johnson.

Rodger Elwood Johnson was born Dec. 2, 1929, in Plainview, to Nels W. and Hazel (Skalberg) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Mission Covenant Church, Wausa. Rodger grew up in the Wausa area where he attended school. In 1947, he moved with his parents to a farm in the Pleasant Valley Community, rural Hartington. Rodger graduated in May 1948 from Liberty High School, rural Hartington, and then began farming in the Pleasant Valley Community. Rodger married Mary Mc-Shannon Aug. 3, 1952, at Christ Memorial Methodist Church, Bloomfield. After their marriage, Rodger continued farming in Pleasant Valley until 1975, when they farmed north of Bloomfield. In 1981, he retired from farming and moved to Yankton where he became a janitor at Yankton College until it closed in 1984. Rodger then began working at Cimpl Meat Packing Plant and also in the housekeeping department for the S.D. Human Services Center. He retired from Cimpl’s in August 2001 and from the Human Services Center in March 2014. Rodger then took up woodworking, making many Herbie Huskers and other lawn ornaments and door hangers for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rodger was a member of the First United Methodist Church, The Loyal Order of the Moose #1356, St. John’s Masonic Lodge #1, and Keystone Chapter #33 Order of the Eastern Star.

He enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved caring for his lawn and flowers and spent many hours with his lawn displays. Rodger enjoyed reading and travelling in his later years. He was a very hardworker who loved being around people and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Rodger is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Johnson, Yankton, S.D.; four children, Rodger Jr. (Sarah) Johnson, Falls City; Barbara (Sam) Colvin, Hastings; Bill (Jennifer) Johnson, Sutton; and Rodney (Tamme) Johnson, Almena, Kan.; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Rodger was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Neville and Leslie Johnson; and one sister, Irene Kahn.

The family would prefer memorials to First United Methodist Church, 207 W. 11th St, Yankton, SD 57078.