David "Dave" E. Johnson

David “Dave” Erland Johnson was born on May 13, 1943 to E. Leonard and Luella (Winter) Johnson in Pipestone, Minnesota. Dave was one of six children in his family growing up. He attended Pipestone High School, graduating in 1961. After graduation, Dave enlisted into the Army National Guard on July 25, 1961. He proudly served until he was honorably discharged on July 24, 1967. While he was serving, Dave met and fell in love with Julie Landis. The two were united in marriage on January 28, 1967 and this marriage blessed them with three children and 58 years of wonderful memories and experiences shared together. In the fall of 1969, Dave and Julie moved to the farm in Troy Township. Dave began farming with his dad and continued to farm with him until his passing in 1971. Dave then farmed alongside his brother, Kenny. The two brothers shared a deep love for the land and they took great pride in working the fields together. Their bond wasn’t just built in the fields, it stretched far beyond, steady as seasons. At the conclusion of harvest in the fall of 2017, Dave retired from farming. He continued his love for the fields by collecting mini tractors and trains.

When Dave wasn’t working in a field, he could be found tinkering in one of the buildings on the farm. He adored attending sporting events and other functions for his kids and grandkids and deeply enjoyed attending family reunions – especially when he and Julie had the opportunity to travel across states together. Whenever you saw Dave, you’d see his beloved dog, Poppy with him – him and ‘The Little Dog’ were a package deal. Dave was an unwavering supporter of Julie at her horse shows. Together they attended many horse shows and wagon trains. Dave loved a good game of cards with his friends and especially loved the games of UNO he shared with his granddaughter, Kelsey. He traveled up North on many snowmobiling trips. He served as a board member for the Farmers Coop Elevator and Sweet Township Mutual Insurance for several years. He was also an excellent seed salesman; his ability to speak with anyone allowed him to foster many important relationships over the years.

Dave entered the Memory Care unit at the Village of Harmony Hill in Watertown, South Dakota, on April 3, 2023. During his time at Harmony Hill, his infectious smile never waned, even as his health changed. His ability to make friends wherever he went, no matter where he was at, continued until his final breath. Dave passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the age of 81 years, 11 months and three days. His absence will be felt deeply by those whose lives were touched by him.

Dave is lovingly remembered by his wife, Julie Johnson of Pipestone, Minnesota; children, Kevin (Renee) Johnson of Chancellor, South Dakota, Kerry Johnson of Pipestone, and Jennie (Adam) Budahl of Watertown, South Dakota; grandchildren, Kaleb Johnson and Madison Johnson; siblings, Barbara (Ronald) Brecher of Pipestone, Mary Lou Bergan of Ocala, Florida, Kathy Pensyl of Edina, Minnesota, and Sonia Schelhaas of New Prague, Minnesota; brothers-in-law, Jim Landis of Flandreau, South Dakota and Tom (Jo) Landis of Garretson, South Dakota; and sisters-in-law, Margaret (Mike) Ziemer of Mitchell, South Dakota and Carol Johnson of Pipestone. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, E. Leonard and Luella Johnson; brother, Kenny Johnson; his granddaughter and UNO partner, Kelsey Johnson; and sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Bergan and Sherry West.

A private inurnment will occur at a later date at the Mount Olivet Cemetery near Lennox, South Dakota.

Memorials may be directed to the Pipestone FFA Chapter or a charity of your choice.