Douglas S. Johnson, 65 of Presho passed away March 27, 2022, after a courageous, year long battle with esophageal cancer. A public come and go visitation will be Saturday April 2nd at Isburg/Hofmeister Funeral home in Presho at 9:45-10:45 followed by a graveside memorial service at the Earling Cemetery at 11:00.

Doug was born Dec. 6, 1956 to Donald and Avys (Fosness) Johnson. He was the oldest of four children. He grew up on the family farm north of Kennebec. As a child, most days Doug would be found with his special aunt Clara (Johnson) Freelove. He attended Washburn Country School north of Presho in Grouse Township. A 1975 graduate of the newly formed Lyman High School, Doug had great pride in being part of the first true Lyman class (attending all four years).

Doug was active in 4H showing livestock, football, and wrestling. His true passion was farming; he was grateful for the opportunity to farm/ranch with several generations including his grandparents Oliver (Ole) Johnson and Adolph (Duff) Fosness, his father Don, his sons, and even his grandsons. Doug would often work the night shift in the field when the tractors would run 24/7; he told stories of tuning into 1520 AM KOMA out of Oklahoma City – listening to the oldies all night while planting or plowing the land he so loved. Nothing pleased him more than passing his love for the land and livestock down to his children and grandchildren.

In 1975 Doug attended Mitchell Tech, where he would attain a degree as a Power lineman. It was while in school that he met the love of his life, Gloria Heisinger. They were united in marriage on September 24, 1976. Doug and Gloria would then move to Midland, SD for a short time where he took a job with West Central Electric. He would later be transferred back home to Presho, where not only did he work as a lineman, but also farmed, ranched, and managed Fosness Motel until closing in 1987. In his 30+ years with West Central Electric, Doug worked his way up the ranks and would eventually be named foreman in 1995, and kept those duties until retirement in 2006. Doug told many stories of storm jobs leaving for weeks at a time to help restore power to other communities during ice storms and blizzards. He had great pride in being a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and stood strong during the strike of 1978, not returning to work until needs were met.

Doug was especially proud of his family. He and Gloria were blessed with three boys — Ross, Chad, and Beau (“my three sons” – as Doug would often refer to them). He loved watching his kids and grandkids compete in sports. In 2004, he officially became “Grandpa”, a title that he wore like a medal of honor and brought out a softer side of him.

Doug was active in the Masonic lodge, and at the time of his passing, he was serving as Worshipful Master of the Western Star #157 in Presho. His commitment continued while he attained the 33 degrees to become a Shriner and was serving as a member of the NAJA Shrine Club in Rapid City. He was also a long-time member of the Presho Lions Club and the Presho Volunteer Fire Department.

Doug had a passion for muscle cars of the 60’s and 70’s and could name almost any make, model, or year at just a glance: with just a quick listen he could identify what motor was in it. He found pleasure in the simple things: a country drive with friends, cheering on the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, getting everyone around the kitchen table and sharing stories with a “Jack N Coke” or a “Bud”, trips to Deadwood, being the turn man on the family cattle drive, and making the best baked beans in the State (self-proclaimed).

Doug is survived by his wife of 45 years Gloria (Heisinger); his sons Chad (Darcy) Johnson and Beau (Lindsey) Johnson; his grandchildren Gunner, Maverick, Layton, and Henry (Hank); his mother Avys (Fosness) Johnson, his sisters Julie (Doug) Plooster and Jill (Doug) Hohn. He is preceded in death by his son Ross Johnson, father Donald Johnson, and brother Theron Johnson.

A celebration of life will be held at Jet Lanes in Presho following the burial, all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may are appreciated to defray medical expenses.

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