Roger Johnson

Funeral services for Roger Johnson were held on Friday, April 26, 2-24, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist church in Burke, SD, with Reverend Thanael Certa-Werner officiating. Music was provided by Kelly Frank and Dan Cool. Julie Johnson and Robin Pense were in charge of registration, and flower attendants were Shannyn Schweigert and Becky Hoffman. Casket bearers were Colton Johnson, Vladik Johnson, Lucas Zobrist, Chad Peck, Loris Matucha, and Rhiley Ellwanger. Honorary casket bearers were all of Roger’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment was in the Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Roger Dean Johnson was born February 11, 1951, in Burke, SD, to Charles L. Johnson and Neva (Tiny) Hedlund Johnson.

Roger attended the Rembrandt #73 county school from the first through the eighth grade. He then went to Burke High School until 1967. On October 28, 1967, he was united in marriage to Linda K. Sletten. To this union, two boys were born, Jody Lee in 1968 and Leslie Allen in 1969. Roger retired from Gregory County after 37 plus years. Prior to taking employment with Gregory County, he worked as a hired man for Howard Frey and Harold Johnson, worked with his dad Charles Leslie Johnson running a rock crusher in Yankton, SD, ran “THE R & L” bar in Gregory, SD, which was Linda’s folks’ tavern at the time. He also turned a wrench or two for Jake Knittel and Tilton Motor Company in Gregory, SD.

Roger enjoyed going to the river, watching rodeos, horses, playing cards, visiting with friends and family and telling tall tales. He had eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren under the age of three and a half. Three little boys and two little girls.

He died April 23, 2024, at the Burke Hospital. Roger was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ronnie and Gene Johnson; and brother-in-law Michael Sletten.

Roger is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda Johnson of Burke, SD; sons: Jody (Suzette) Johnson and Les (Nancy) Johnson; daughter Ava of Burke, SD; grandchildren: Colton (Jennifer) Johnson and sons Lawson and Ronan, of Herrick, SD, Siera (Dylan) Madsen and son Mordecai of Vivian, SD, and Vladik Johnson of Brookings, SD, Lucas Zobrist of Emery, SD, Monique Johnson of Watertown, SD, Kasi and daughter Scarlett of Burke, SD, Hanna (Rhiley) Ellwanger and daughter Vivienne of Burke, SD; brother Allen (Sandra Jean) Johnson of Gregory, SD; brother-in-law Doug (Fran) Sletten of Rapid City, SD; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.