Allan Joseph Johnson, 68, from Piedmont, SD, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 13, 2024. Allan was born on January 10, 1956, in Clear Lake, SD, to Robert and Mary Lue Johnson. He was a graduate of Highmore High School in Highmore, SD. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1975 and served on the Korean DMZ and was honorably discharged in 1978 after his tours were complete.
After being discharged from the Army, he worked for Rapid City Regional Hospital where he received Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards. His next employment was with the Disabled American Veterans where he became the SD DAV State Commander. He also prided himself on being a volunteer firefighter with the Piedmont and Camp Crook Fire Departments. He was part of the volunteer group who received the Florida Distinguished Service Cross. Allan maintained many life-long friends from his time fighting fire.
Allan pursued many dreams in his life and accomplished many notable achievements. Among them being an avid traveler to many countries; receiving a B.A. degree in Archeology and Native American Studies at Black Hills State University (BHSU) where he was also nominated as a Homecoming King in his 40s; an M.A. in Archeology at the University of South Dakota (USD); political enthusiast having Gov. George McGovern speak at his high school graduation; being devoted to his country, he worked for a civilian contractor in Iraq during active war; working for the SD State Archeology Research Center for 20 years where he enjoyed educating the next generation; raised bees to harvest and bottle honey along with mead; carpenter of log furniture and building his castle on the hill; care-taker for many friends and family until their deaths; extremely generous always providing for others.
Allan was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his 12 siblings: Danita (Chaplin), La Rita Johnson, Peggy (Napier), Ginny (Magnuson), Bob Jr., Jim, Jerry, Chris, Ron, Beth (Haskins) and Gerard. He is also survived by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Allan was a generous and self-made man who will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the DAV, Fire Department or in a Pay it Forward act of kindness.
Visitation will be Tuesday, September 24, 2024, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Black Hills, Piedmont, SD, with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at the church on Wednesday, September 25, 10:00 a.m. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
