Jeffrey Johnson

A memorial service for Jeffrey George Johnson, age 73, was held at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. Recorded music was played as well as congregational hymns accompanied by Bette Fogel on piano. Alice Vereen was in charge of registration, and flower attendants were his Sunday morning coffee group. Urn bearers were Scott Phillps, Dennis Lang, Dave DeVos, Rick Schneider, Mike Peterson, Ray Gosmire, Ron Rankin, Gregg Drees, and Rod Graesser. George Johnson, Gavin Pochop, David Kotrba, and Hank Wonnenberg were honorary urn bearers.

Inurnment was at the IOOF Cemetery in Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Born on March 2, 1952, to George Fielding and Corinne Viola (Spicknall) Johnson, Jeff grew up in Gregory, SD. He attended South Dakota State University from 1970-1974 where he joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon and earned his degree in Agricultural Business.

In 1982, he married Valerie Steppat, and together they raised four children, building a home filled with laughter, games, and traditions. The Johnson home was always a gathering place, not only for family but for countless friends as well.

Jeff spent more than four decades in banking, rising from loan officer to President of the Gregory branch of BankWest. Jeff took great pride in supporting local farmers and businesses.

Beyond work and family, Jeff pursued many hobbies. He was a golfer, racquetball player, and fast-pitch softball enthusiast. He enjoyed the craft of woodworking, building benches, tables, and other outdoor furniture, and was well known for his personalized, carved wooden signs. Jeff was also deeply fascinated by genealogy and history and was a member of the South Dakota State Historical Society. He spent countless hours researching not only Gregory County’s past, but also the history of the United States. As a true history and trivia fan, he wrote an article about President Harry S. Truman visiting Gregory, which was included in a publication of the South Dakota History Museum.

Jeff’s passion for his hometown was evident in the countless ways he gave back to his community. He served as a two-time president of the Rotary Club, Director of the Gregory Community Foundation, and took pride in coaching youth activities—leading both the Gregory boys’ baseball and girls’ softball teams. He was also the familiar voice of Gregory baseball, serving as announcer and sound-effects DJ. Jeff twice served as president of the Gregory Golf and Recreation Association, as well as president of both the Gregory Racquetball Club and the Gregory Athletic Club. His dedication extended to public service, where he served three terms as a Gregory County commissioner and volunteered as an ambulance driver for seven years.

An avid outdoorsman, Jeff co-founded Wild Wings Hunting Service with his brother Rick in 1987, creating a lasting legacy. He organized and hosted numerous benefit hunts and community events, using his love of the outdoors to support local causes and bring people together.

Jeffrey George Johnson passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. He is survived by his wife Valerie; his children: Jenica Johnson (Durant Knox), Mackenzie (Hayley) Johnson, Corena (Ben) Wenner, and Paxten (Lucas) Baker; his eight (soon to be 9) grandchildren; and many additional family members and friends.