Ronnie Johnson

A memorial service for Ronnie Johnson was held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Burke Civic Center in Burke, SD, with Pastor Mark Tuttle officiating. Music was provided by Sam Drey, and Kathy Sachtjen and Linda Johnson were in charge of registration. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Urn bearers were Tiny Sachtjen, Ted Sachtjen, DeWayne Bennett, and Wade Swan. Honorary urn bearer were Craig Wischmann, Kiley Schonebaum, Kody Schonebaum, Kassidy Schonebaum, Kip Schonebaum, Klay Schonebaum, Kolt Schonebaum, Jerry Shanahan, and all of Ronnie’s many friends. Ronnie “Pox” Johnson was born on July 11, 1954, in Burke, SD, to Raymond and Dorothy (Benter) Johnson, the oldest of their four children.

Ronnie grew up in Burke and attended Burke School through the 11th grade. Ronnie earned his nick-name “Pox” in high school, a name that some only knew him by. In 1973, Ronnie began working at Les’ Texaco, then went to work at the Gregory County Highway Department for a short time and then worked for Leibel & Bauld Construction. Ronnie later went back to work for the Gregory County Highway Department where he was a dedicated employee for 28 years. Ronnie retired in April of 2011. Retirement, however, didn’t suit him for long. Ronnie went on to work for the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, partnered with Keith Tipton in their Eager Beaver Construction venture, and later drove truck for Wade Swan—continuing to work right up until his passing. Ronnie often said he would work “until he couldn’t,” and he lived true to those words.

On June 23, 1973, Ronnie married the love of his life, Julie Bauld. Together they raised their two daughters, Mindie Jo, born in 1973, and Tina Marie, born in 1976. Ronnie and Julie transitioned from horses to Harleys when they purchased their first Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and from that moment on, many of their best memories were made on the open road. Along with their many friend-groups, they took countless motorcycle trips, enjoyed side-by-side rides, and in recent years shared winters together in Arizona—soaking up sunshine, friendship, and the freedom of the trails.

Ronnie also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting. He spent every November trying to find that big buck. Ronnie shot his first deer, a big buck, as a young man. He spent many pheasant seasons helping guide hunters with Tiny and Kathy Sachtjen, something he truly enjoyed. For 20 years, Ronnie took great pride in caring for the grounds at the Burke Riding Club arena, always making sure the arena was perfect for the annual Burke Stampede Rodeo.

Ronnie Lee Johnson, age 71, of Burke, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2025.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; his daughters Mindie (Craig) Wischmann and Tina (Kiley) Schonebaum, all of Burke, SD; four grandchildren; a great-grandson; siblings Randy (Sheila Shutt) Johnson of Tyndall, SD, and Rick (Pam) Johnson of Burke, SD; brothers-in-law David (Berniece) Bauld of Herrick, SD, and Doug (Janet) Bauld of Burke, SD; sisters-in-law Cheryl Inglett of Burke, SD, and Nancy (Mark) Benter of Burke, SD; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy; brother Rodney; in-laws Clinton and Elvera Bauld; and his brother-inlaw, Neal Inglett.