Daryl L. Johnson | 1947 - 2024

PIERRE, SD – Daryl Loren Johnson, 76, of Pierre, SD, passed away peacefully with his wife, Linda, by his side, on Friday April 12, 2024, at Avera Maryhouse in Pierre after a courageous battle with cancer. Per Daryl’s request, there will not be a funeral, celebration of life, or memorial service. A Memorial Open House with family and friends will be held 2:00-5:00pm, Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Feigum Funeral Home in Pierre, SD. Daryl will be buried at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD.

Daryl was born September 17, 1947, in Hoven, SD, to Loren and Junya (Munyon) Johnson. He was the second of four children. He grew up on a farm near Tolstoy, SD. In 1958 the family moved to the farm near Ipswich, SD. He graduated from Ipswich High School in 1965. Following graduation, Daryl enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on December 30, 1965, in Sioux Falls, SD.

Daryl’s service in the USMC took him to Vietnam from June 12, 1966, to November 5, 1968, where he served his required tour and volunteered to serve an additional two tours. While in the USMC, Daryl received the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat Valor, Vietnamese Service Medal with 3 Stars, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, USMC Good Conduct Medal, and USMC Marksmanship Badge with Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification. Daryl was honorably discharged from the USMC on November 15, 1968. Daryl was a lifetime member of the VFW post 2038.

Following Daryl’s service in the USMC, he spent a short time in Kansas City, MO working as a gas station attendant. Knowing big-city life wasn’t for him, Daryl moved back to South Dakota and started working for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company on June 12, 1969, in Pierre. During his 38 ½ year career with the phone company the name changed many times (Northwestern Bell, USWest, Qwest) as did Daryl’s duties and title. Daryl retired from Qwest as a Network Technician on December 15, 2007.

Upon moving to Pierre in 1969, Daryl met Linda Chester. The two were married on July 4, 1970, in Pierre. Daryl and Linda were blessed with three wonderful children: Joette, Ryan, and Kayla. Throughout his life, Daryl enjoyed many outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, shore fishing, gardening, boat fishing, grilling, ice fishing, canning, more fishing, and keeping his lawn, flowers, and apple trees in perfect condition. He really had a green thumb and enjoyed sharing his abundance of garden produce with family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed watching his children’s and grandchildren’s many activities and teaching them how to hunt, fish, maintain a yard, and garden. His retirement provided more time for all his favorite outdoor activities. He spent so much time in the sun, he had a permanent year-round farmer’s tan.

Daryl is survived by his wife Linda of Pierre; daughter Joette (Jonathan) Nesladek of Pierre; son Ryan Johnson (Brittnie Adamson) of Pierre; and daughter Kayla (Andrew) Koob of Rock Rapids, IA; grandchildren Tate and Sadie Nesladek, Allison Johnson, and Auna and Logan Koob; sister Jolean (James) Mitzel; brother Richard (Linda) Johnson; brother-in-law Dale Braun, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Daryl was preceded in death by his parents Loren and Junya Johnson; sister Darla Braun, father and mother-in-law William and Vay Chester, brothers-in-law Bill Shoop and Tom Wauer, sisters-in-law Keo Shoop and Mary Chester, nephews Clinton Johnson and Eric Petersen, and niece Sheila Mitzel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Avera@Home Hospice, Pierre SD.