Jack O. Johnson

Jackie “Jack” Odean Johnson, 78, Aberdeen, SD passed away on Monday, April 11, 2022 at his home after a brief struggle with lung cancer.

Jack was born on May 7, 1943 in Britton, SD to Darwin and Nyla (Glodery) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Britton, SD. While in high school, he worked with his father at their family owned Junkyard and helped on his friend’s farms. He graduated from Britton High School with the class of 1962. He entered the Army National Guard on April 23, 1964 and was honorably discharged on June 30, 1970. In 1964, he met Elaine Milbrandt on a blind date and they were married on October 1, 1966 in Aberdeen. Because of the avid hunter Jack was, their honeymoon was spent goose hunting.

Jack worked at KO Lee, Cenex Warehouse, Cenex Gas plant and in 1986 he went to work for the South Dakota Department of Labor until he retired in 2008. He enjoyed his jobs and all the friendships he made. He took great joy in being in God’s creation. His love and respect for the outdoors started at a young age. He enjoyed camping, bowling, and trap shooting. His passion was fishing and hunting with his buddies. He very much enjoyed family time, especially trips he was able to take with them. To celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in 2006, Jack and Elaine were able to vacation with their daughter, Stacy and family in Alaska. In 2010, they all enjoyed a Disney Cruise together and in 2012, they went fishing in Manitoba, Canada, where many proud anglers were caught.

Jack was a past member of Whitetail Bowman Archery Club in Aberdeen as well as Marshall County Sportsman Club in Britton, SD. He was a huge basketball fan cheering on the Aberdeen Christian Knights and the Duke Blue Devils. He especially enjoyed attending the activities his grandson, Hunter, participated in.

He will be especially missed for his love, kindness, and generosity he showed to his family and others. Sharing his numerous fishing and hunting stories and giving his strong opinions gave him great joy.

Grateful for having shared Jack’s life are his wife, Elaine; daughter, Stacy (Bryan) Bauer of Aberdeen; grandson, Hunter Bauer of Aberdeen; brothers, N. James (Darlene) Johnson of Aberdeen; Timothy (Kathy) Johnson of Lake City, SD; brother-in-law, Lorin Lawrence of Pierre, SD.

Preceding Jack in death are his parents, Darwin and Nyla Johnson; granddaughter, Bailey Bauer and sister, Patricia Lawrence.