Wallace Johnson
September 1, 1930 ~ August 22, 2021
Wallace Johnson, 90, of Miller, passed away Sunday, August 22, 2021, at the Good Samaritan Society in Miller.
Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 27, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, Miller, with Rev. Janice Palmer officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.
In her 1979 Nobel Peace Prize speech, Mother Teresa said, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” By then, Wallace (Wally) Myron Johnson was well on his way to doing exactly that.
Born September 1, 1930, to Billy & Grace (Yost) Johnson, Wally grew up knowing the love of a large family and the sacrifices it took to keep it all together. He was an outstanding football and track athlete for Miller High School, and he was a lifelong learner.
At his core and until his death on August 22, however, Wally was a family man.
He married Darlene Johnson on December 27, 1949. They shared struggles, joys, hardships, and triumphs in South Hand County for nearly 72 years. They were each strong and resolute for the other until Wally’s final day. Together, they ranched and raised four children—Craig, Neal, Brenda, and Kim. If that had been all they did, Wally would have considered his life a success.
Though his pride and joy came from working at home on the ranch with his family, Wally spent decades advocating for 4-H kids and their projects.
He volunteered as a Hand County 4-H Leader for 38 years, which resulted in more than 130 young people being involved in his club. He served as a member and president of both the Hand County and South Dakota State 4-H Leaders Associations. Hand County 4-H knows him as a leader instrumental in developing the current 4-H grounds and securing support for the covered show ring. He was also a member of the SD 4-H Policy Advisory and 4-H Meat Animal Committees.
Wally loved the South Dakota State Fair as much as his grandkids loved his golf cart, camper by the 4-H show ring, and carnival ride pass!
From 1982-1987, Wally served as the SD State Fair 4-H Beef Superintendent and 4-H Livestock Coordinator. Then, he sat at the helm of the South Dakota State Fair Commission for three years and served on that commission for a total of seven.
None of Wallace’s service came from a place needing recognition, but he earned it anyway. He was named SDSU Eminent Farmer in 1996, earned the Governor’s Award for Volunteerism in 1992, and was recognized as an Honor Member of the Western Junior Livestock Show in addition to being awarded Outstanding Livestock Producer by the Hand County Livestock Improvement Association.
For 25 years, you could find Wally in the high seats of livestock auction barns around the state. Cattle were his passion, and the order buying business he started with his brother, Clemmet, brought him great joy and purpose.
The fingers he lost in farm accidents meant his grandchildren always had the best thimble hiding spot, and there were few things he enjoyed more than Darlene’s “mouse hair” soup, which brought him laughter and her ire for decades. Even great grandkids can regale you with Wally’s favorite bean song.
Wally was a man of quiet service, great loyalty, and trusted friendship. He didn’t believe in pedestals and certainly didn’t want to be placed on one; yet his family has often heard the only thing wrong with Wally Johnson was that he’s “too honest”.
Family and friends sought Wally’s counsel and company until the end. Those left loving him include his wife, Darlene, at home on the ranch; son, Craig (Louise) of Sioux Falls, daughters Brenda (Neil) Duxbury of Wessington and Kim (Jim) Petik of Keldron; daughter-in-law, Janet at home on the ranch; his brother, Mark (Bernadine) of San Diego, California; brother-in-law, Carroll Morford of Highmore; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and his beloved South Hand County neighbors.
Among those greeting him in heaven were his parents; son, Neal; siblings and their spouses: Jerald (Irene), Harold (Betty), Clemmet (Vivian), Mary (Raymond) Graham; sisters-in-law: Donna (Lowell) Droz, and Margaret Johnson-Morford; brother-in-law, Earl Johnson; and special nieces: Laura Graham-Eskandarion and Mary Johnson.
Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Wally’s arrangements.
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Our Deepest Sympathy
Dr. Dick and Kathy Splichal
Always enjoyed visiting with Wally at the sale barns. was a great person and friend
Craig, Louise and family – so sorry for your loss. Wally sounded like a very wonderful man. As a 4-H kid growing up on a dairy farm, his service to 4-H is dear to my heart. Prayers being sent up for peace, healing and comfort. Marie, Tryg and Jorge Fredrickson
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in the memories he left.
Our sympathy to you the family.
Delmar and Patty Fawcett
Sympathy to the Wally Johnson family and South Hand community.
Cousin Wally was one othe true great guys!
As a youth growing up in South Hand, he was our 4-H leader, youth softball coach and of course organizer the the fall pheasant hunt. He always had a smile on his face and a tall tale to tell. We will miss him
Thanks Wally for all you did!
I worked with Wally a lot when I was in the Extension Office. He was such a great guy. We are sending sincere sympathy. The world lost one of the great ones.
My husband was a cattle buyer like Wally so we got to know him thru the sales at different ones. Was a quiet man and always had the same seat. It has been a few years since we have gone to a sale and probably for him also. Prayers for the family and remember the good and bad times you had with him for so many years.
Sympathy to All of Wally’s family he will be missed by all. I remember when I stayed at the Johnson home when I was in grade school in the winter time. We played all sorts of games. Wally was so much fun. Wally was always there to lend a helping hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you.