PIERRE, SD – David Johnson, 82, died on Thursday, August 8 in Yankton. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, August 16th at the First United Methodist Church in Pierre with a viewing one hour prior to the service and burial at Riverside Cemetery in Pierre.

David was born in Vermillion, South Dakota on July 10, 1942. He passed on August 8, 2024 after a valiant thirteen-year fight against Alzheimer’s.

David was the second child born to Kenneth and Hazel (Moller) Johnson. He grew up on a dairy and crop farm. In high school he played basketball and football. This love of football allowed him to play at Sioux Falls College. He graduated with a teaching and coaching degree in 1965.

It was there that he met his wife, Sharon Kayser. After three months of dating, they were engaged and married in Pierre on June 19, 1965. To this union three children were born. Sons, Scott and Todd and daughter, Britt. David and Sharon lived in Chancellor and Alexandria for four years where David coached and taught. In 1970 David and Sharon moved to Pierre to farm with his father-in-law, Raymond Kayser. David mainly planted corn and wheat and he and Sharon also ran a pig finishing unit just north of their house. David continued farming for over forty years with the last few helping to operate the irrigation systems. David enjoyed bowling, calling for bingo and spending Wednesday nights at the Izaak Walton club or the Elks club. He also was a previous board member for the grain elevator.

While David was an amazing dad, his shining moment happened when he became a grandpa. He was blessed with thirteen grandchildren and boy, did everyone know it! He hopped back and forth from each of our homes always with snacks and love. He frequently announced his arrival with a little knock, and a “anybody home?” greeting. He usually brought donut holes and string cheese. His lap would be full of kids when he sat down. He gave rides to and from school, attended many sporting events, and taught many of the grandkids how to drive.

David taught our children the attributes of hard work, honesty, and forgiveness. He also threw in a little humor. He was always the first to shake a hand, and tell a story or joke. He gave the best hugs.

When David’s health declined, he resided at Dakota Heritage House, Kelly’s Retirement, Avera Oahe Manor in Gettysburg, and finally the Yankton Human Services Center for the last four and a half years.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, in 2005, his parents, Kenneth and Hazel, his in-law’s Raymond and Adella Kayser, brothers; Duane and Richard and brothers-in-law Glenn Harless and Scott Brugger.

David is survived by his sons, Scott, Todd (Terri) and daughter, Britt (Shawn) Williams; grandchildren: Tyler (Trista), Tanner, Trey, Tess (Josh), Tate Johnson, Chaz (Brooklyn) Williams, Caelie (James) Hagen, Casey, Caytee, Camryn, Cruz Williams, Aydan and Calyn Johnson; great-grandchildren: Aubree and McCoy Williams, Kai Dotson, Zero Goetze and Tayne Johnson; sisters: Patty Harless and family, Margie (Ron) Stoneback and family, Sharon Brugger and family; sisters-in-law: Pam (Larrie) Hunsley and family, Lonna Carroll and family, Jan (Jeff) Benson and family, Connie Johnson and family and Arnie Johnson and family.

We give heartfelt gratitude to all of the healthcare facilities he resided in, but especially Yankton Human Services Center for the loving, respectful care he received.

“The loss of both of our parents is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.”

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