David Johnson

David Floyd Johnson, 73, passed away unexpectedly and peacefully at his home near Ward, South Dakota on July 22, 2026.

Born during a February blizzard in 1953, David was the first child of Floyd and June (Frost) Johnson of Verdi, Minnesota. At David's birth, Floyd was in active service in the Korean War. Upon Floyd's return, the family settled on the farm where David grew up, working hard and playing hard as did all farm boys of that era. Everything outdoorsy appealed to him: farming, hunting, fishing, exploring and riding horse with his best friend, Eric.

David graduated from Verdi High School where he loved math and science and participated in multiple sports, perhaps enjoying cross country the most. While still in high school, he began farming and raising hogs. He was known for his knack with animals, both livestock and pets, teased by his family for being an "animal whisperer." Caring for the land and wildlife became a lifelong priority for him, active in conservation efforts, DNR projects and sportsman's clubs, hosting many friends and family members for pheasant and deer hunts on his land.

In addition to farming, David helped his cousin, Gary at Quist Moving and Storage throughout the years and was active in local politics. From teen dances at the Showboat to singles' dances in mid life to old time dances in later years, David danced his way through life making new friends. His family and friends remember him as someone always taking the time to keep in touch, to keep those friendships and relationships alive.

Transitioning out of active farming, David planted epic vegetable gardens sharing what he didn't preserve himself with anyone and everyone. He especially treasured partnering with his nephews, Wesly and Dawson as they worked his farmland and helped him around his farmstead.

David is remembered by siblings, Connie (Larry) Rew, Tedd (Joan) Johnson, Kathleen (Kevin) Thies, and Glenn (Sherri) Johnson; nieces, Abby (Arturo) Martinez, Heidi (Rance) Guthrie and Caroline Rew; nephews, Wesly (Kayla) Johnson and their daughter, Jovi, Dawson (Madelyn) Johnson, Tyson (Lainie) Johnson, Eric Thies, Andrew (Marissa) Thies and Sam Thies; special friend, Donna Wilson; lifelong friend, Eric (Gail) Petersen; and LeAnn (Dusty) Weekes.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Amy.