Richard William Johnson

Richard Johnson, age 80, of Garretson, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Ava’s House in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM Friday, November 21, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Thursday, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home, Garretson. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Garretson American Legion, Zion Lutheran Church Building Fund and Garretson Fire Department Building Fund.

Richard William Johnson was born Sept 8, 1945, in Garretson, to Arthur L and Hannah E (Bratsburg) Johnson. He grew up and lived in Garretson his entire life and graduated from Garretson High School in 1963. He owned and operated Johnson Trucking and farmed with his brother Jerome and drove bus for the Garretson School District. On June 15, 1963, he married Eileen Carlson at Splitrock Lutheran Church rural Corson. After Eileen's passing on July 26, 2018, he later married Constance Nelson in January 23, 2023.

Richard served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1962-1970. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, volunteered on the Garretson Fire Department and served on the River Ridge Golf course board.

Richard had a deep love for his family, friends, and the land on which he farmed. He greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s activities. He never met a stranger, his gift of gab followed him everywhere. He enjoyed go cart racing with his father-in-law Leonard which evolved into his love for Nascar. He took many trips with friends and family to various tracks across the country. He also enjoyed traveling and wintering in Arizona.

Richard is survived by his wife, Constance; children and grandchildren: Kent (Kerri) Johnson of Summerville, South Carolina, and his children, Ben (Larissa) Johnson, Alex (Tawny Jones) Johnson, Brittany Johnson and Kent Johnson II, Amie Ross, Holli Ross; Steve (Angie) Johnson of Garretson, and their son, Riley (Jade Rosenbaum) Johnson; and Jeff (Kris) Johnson of Garretson, and their children, Katie (James) Large, Tait Johnson, Nadalie (Cory) Bryan; six great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Linda DeWitte, of Gaylord, Minnesota, and Shirley Johnson of Garretson; many nieces nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, wife, Eileen, brother, Jerome Johnson, daughter-in-law, Belen Johnson.