Rodney E. Johnson

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Rodney E. Johnson, 82, of Flandreau, SD passed away Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Riverview Healthcare Community, Flandreau.
Rod was born to Lloyd and Geraldine (Bebo) Johnson on May 17, 1937 in Flandreau, SD and spent his formative years in Flandreau. He chose different approaches to having “pin” money, working at grocery stores as a “bagging expert” and became a proficient projectionist under Raleigh Matson at the Crystal Theatre. After high school, Rod completed three years at SD School of Mines before following his then sweetheart back to Los Angeles, marrying and having three children. After finishing college in Orange County and spending 34 years with the LA County Sheriff’s Department, he said he “loved going to work every day, and took part in many of the riots related to the Civil Rights issues of the 60’s.” His happiest days were spent on horseback. His family liked camping and animals; especially horses which they spent many hours riding in the desert. He was loyal, generous, helpful, caring and very private. Rod returned to SD in 2005 as he and Mary Ann Sorensen developed a fun and engaging relationship. He was an avid TV follower of the Denver Broncos and the USC Trojans. Band, scouting (he was an Eagle Scout), hunting and friendships were very important to him. Rod was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Rod has left us behind, but he had a wonderful, ever-changing and significant life.
Rod is survived by one son: David of Norco, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents and children Eric and Cheri.
Funeral services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Flandreau, with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. www.skrochfc.com.