December 15, 1936 – May 4, 2025
John Henry Johnson, 88, of Hot Springs, S.D. passed away at home Sunday, May 4, 2025 with family by his side.
John was born December 15, 1936, in New Underwood, S.D. to Edwin and Gladys (Nelson) Johnson. He attended a one room elementary school and was a 1955 graduate of New Underwood High School. He married Carla Jean Dewey on September 16, 1961 in Rapid City, S.D. Together they raised two sons, Shawn and Ross.
John worked on his parent’s place during his dad’s illness and following his death. He was employed on the Glen and Rosalind McPherson and Guy and Maxine Ham ranches where he was treated like family. He also worked as a laborer on the missile bases, was an electrician’s assistant and drove truck for the Black Hills Milk Producers Association. After moving to Hot Springs in 1971, he helped complete the renovation of the Evans Plunge and worked at the Angostura Irrigation District as a ditch rider and dam tender. Later he learned boot and shoe repair from John Eastep. He owned a boot/shoe repair business, John’s Boot Repair, for approximately twenty years. He was valued as an orthopedic expert by many customers and was listed in the National Registry of Orthopedic Technicians. He was also a landlord and irrigator/farmer. Later in life he raised cattle on the TY Ranch, drove school bus and did janitor work at the Hot Springs Elementary School.
John was a veteran of the Army National Guard where he was awarded a sharpshooter medal. He is a member of The United Churches in Hot Springs, a 54-year member of the Hot Springs Elks Club, a member of Rotary Club, and a senior life member of the Western South Dakota Buckaroos.
Some of his most enjoyed activities included team roping and golfing. The highlight of golfing was winning the State Elks Golf Tournament (1980) in Hot Springs partnering with his father-in-law, George Dewey. Another favorite memory for him was elk hunting with his friend, Darrell DeHeer. Throughout his life, he made many friends. It seemed like he knew everyone. John and Carla hosted many yard parties for family and friends. His cattle were his pets, and he had a special dog, Queenie. Another favorite pastime for John was watching the birds and squirrels come to the feeders. He also enjoyed playing his harmonica for the residents at Pine Hills.
Most of all he valued his wife Carla and their sons, Shawn (deceased), Ross and their families. He tried to attend most of their activities. Grandpa Johnny enjoyed his grandkids, Kyle, Shawna, Trevor and Tiffany.
John is survived by his wife, Carla of Hot Springs; son, Ross (Tonya) Johnson of Rapid City; sister, Laura Hackens and brother, Archie (Shirley) Johnson of New Underwood; sisters in-law, Phyllis Johnson and Florrie Johnson; 4 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Shawn Dewey Johnson; parents, Edwin and Gladys Johnson; sister, Marguerite Deering; brothers, Raymond, Frances, Walter and Russell Johnson; nephew, Chuck Deering; brothers in-law, Darrell Hackens, Bill Deering and Darrell Dewey; and his mother and father in-law, George and Leota Dewey.
John’s memorial service was held on Monday, May 19, 2025 at Behrens-Wilson Funeral Home in Rapid City. Burial of cremains followed at Pine Lawn Cemetery in Rapid City.