PIERRE, SD – Olivia “Veva” Johnson passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, in Pierre, South Dakota.

Visitation will be held 1:00-2:00pm, Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Pierre First United Methodist Church.

Funeral Services will begin at 2:00pm, Thursday, June 12, 2025 at Pierre First United Methodist Church.

Born on July 22, 1928, in Bowman, North Dakota, Veva was the cherished daughter of George and Judith Johnson of Ludlow, SD. The family later located to Revillo, SD in her youth.

Veva’s intelligence and commitment to education were evident. She not only graduated as Valedictorian from her high school in Revillo, SD—a detail she often shared with a humble remark “it was a small class”—but she also soared academically at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. By the age of 20, she held a degree in office education and was poised to share her knowledge with the world.

Her professional journey began with a teaching position in Plankinton, SD, quickly followed by a role at the Deuel County Bank in Clear Lake, SD. It was here that fate steered Veva’s path toward love; she met Dave Johnson, a traveling representative with the St. Paul Insurance Companies. After three persistent invitations, she accepted a date with Dave, leading to marriage in 1950.

As newlyweds they lived in Aberdeen, SD, before moving to St. Paul, MN, where Veva excelled as an executive secretary in the marketing department of the Tony Home Permanent Company. Eventually, in 1952, they settled in Pierre, SD, where they purchased the Noren Insurance Agency. Throughout her time in Pierre, Veva was an active participant in church activities and a dedicated volunteer.

Not only was Veva an ardent professional, having worked for organizations such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Congressman Jim Abdnor, the South Dakota Legislature, and the Pierre Housing Authority, but she also nurtured an admirable array of personal talents. As an excellent cook, seamstress, and quilter, she brought beauty and comfort to many. Her skill at card games made her a formidable opponent at Bridge, Whist, or Cribbage. Veva delighted in travel, with a journey to Europe with close friends Cal and Colleen Breske being among her most treasured experiences.

Veva’s legacy continues through her son Bruce (Luann), her grandchildren David (Amber) and Kelly (Joel), and her cherished great-grandchildren Natalie, Joanna, Ruth, Finnley, Lexi, and Katelyn. Her memory will also be celebrated by special friends and family Cal and Colleen Breske, Joyce Pingrey, Christie Zander, and Lori Clark. Her husband Dave, beloved daughter Nancy, sister Marian, and brothers Walter, Steve, George, Jim, and Sigurd, preceded her in death.

Donations and memorials may be directed to Pierre First United Methodist Church, 117 North Central, Pierre, SD 57501.

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