Henry Johnson

Henry Johnson, age 84, of rural DeSmet died at his home Tuesday afternoon, July 21, 2015. Visitation will be held Monday, July 27, 2015 from 5-8 PM at the United Presbyterian Church at Willow Lake. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at 10:00 AM at the United Presbyterian Church at Willow Lake with The Reverend Dr. Lois Aroian officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Collins Cemetery at Willow Lake. Henry R. Johnson was born July 17, 1931 in Clark County to Henry G. and Minnie Johnson. He, with his parents and siblings, lived in Bryant, Watertown, Clark, rural Willow Lake and rural DeSmet. He attended school in Bryant, Watertown, Clark, rural Rosedale, Willow Lake and No. 7 rural DeSmet through the 8th grade. He received an honorary Willow Lake High School diploma as a veteran. Henry married Delores Lubbers June 15, 1957. To this union two boys were born, Mark and Bruce Johnson. He was blessed by four grandchildren; Blake Wayne, Ross James-Henry, Allisyn Joy and Amber Rae. Henry was a softball pitcher, avid fisherman, hunter, and trapper. He was involved with music his entire life, singing in the church choir, men's groups, and countless duets for weddings and funerals. Henry was an avid sports fan and attended basketball games in Willow Lake and DeSmet. He served on the consistory as a member of the Reformed church and served in many capacities in the Willow Lake Presbyterian Reformed Church. Henry also served on the Spirit Lake Township board and as supervisor. Henry served 2 years in the Army, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. After leaving the military he began farming; finally settling at the home place on Spirit Lake. He retired from farming in 1992. Henry was then able to live the life he loved. He enjoyed hunting with numerous friends and family. Henry was an expert fisherman who not only knew Spirit Lake; but all the surrounding lakes. Henry was happiest in his boat with family and friends; preferably catching fish. Henry enjoyed playing pinochle, visiting with friends and family; and especially being with his grandchildren. Henry was well known for his daily coffee and lunch trips to town with his faithful Labrador companion; Cruiser. Highlights included his fishing trip to Alaska with his brothers; Arba, and Ron to visit his brother Terry, a trip to Branson, turkey hunting in Wall and Florence, SC; and recently to Athens, GA for his grandson's wedding. Henry is survived by his sons, Mark (Peg) of Athens, GA and Bruce ( Laurie) of Grimes, IA, his 4 grandchildren: Blake of Hettinger, ND, Ross (Merri) of McDonough, GA, Allisyn of Athens, GA, Amber of Grimes, IA; and his very special friend; Kathy Murray of DeSmet . Henry is also survived by siblings Illdena (Cork) Poppen of Willow Lake, Darlene (Kenneth) Pearson of Burnsville, MN, Dorothy Haug of Willow Lake, Arba (Margaret) of Marshalltown, IA, Terry (Sandy) of Anchorage, AK, sister-in-law Sharon Johnson of Mitchell, SD, friend Delores Johnson of Holland, MI and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Henry are his parents, an infant sister, brother Ron Johnson, cousin Marvin Johnson, two half-sisters; Grace Hill Poppen and Hattie Schroeder, niece Sherri Meyer and brothers-in-law Roger Haug, Orville Hill and Wayne Schroeder. Funeral arrangements are with the Furness Funeral Home at Clark where there is an online registry at: www.furnessfuneralhome.com