Ronald Johnson, age 92, longtime Lemmon resident and attorney, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2020 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND.

A private family funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2020 at the Prince of Peace Chapel of the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.  Graveside services will be held at approximately 10:45 a.m. at the Greenhill Cemetery in Lemmon.  The public is invited to attend the graveside service.  Military Honors will be afforded by the Brattvet-Green American Legion Post #66 of Lemmon.  The funeral service will be live streamed for the public and will be available for viewing 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.  A link will be provided in Ron's obituary.

Visitation for the public will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Lemmon, SD.

Serving as casketbearers are  Bilden Johnson, Scott Johnson, Douglas Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Dave Johnson, and Matthew Johnson.

Ronald Ralph Johnson was born in Hayti, SD on December 12th, 1927. Ron was baptized and confirmed in Hamlin Co March 19 ^th 1928. He was the youngest child of Inga and Edwin Johnson. Ron grew up with his 2 brothers on the family farm in Hamlin CO.  While attending high school in Hayti. He, and his future wife, became homecoming queen and king in 1944.

He enlisted in the US Army at the age of 17. On July 12 ^th 1946 Ron married Beverly Pederson at Hayti, SD during a brief "delay in route" as Ron left for Japan. Ron's mission changed in rout to Japan from combat to occupation after the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima.

After completing his tour of duty Ron studied law at USD Vermillion. Upon receiving his Juris Doctorate Ron practiced in DeSmet, SD.  In 1953 Les Hersrud offered Ron a position in his practice in Lemmon SD.  When Les accepted a position of circuit court judge Ron took over the practice and continued to operate it for over 50 years.

While in Lemmon Ron enlisted in the US ANG and eventually became Commanding Officer of the 211 ^th Engineers.  While serving as CO of the 211 ^th Ron and his family moved to the Fort Lewis, WA area when the 211th was called to active duty during the Berlin crisis in 1962. Ron's military career lasted 31 years and he retired as a JAG Col.

Ron enjoyed walking to work early in the morning.  He looked forward to golfing, hunting, and fishing; breakfast at the Busted T Café; and having Wednesday breakfast with his friends at the stockyards.  He could often be found chewing on a cigar; and was a "regular" particpatn at cards at the Legion in the afternoon. He loved flying his airplane and looked forward to his visits with Al on his front yard.

Ron participated in community theatre.  He was active in the Jaycees and directed the community choir and the Calvary Lutheran Church choir.

Ron passed peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND.

Ron is survived by his sons, Steven (Barbara) Johnson, Omaha, NE, Scott (Georgia) Johnson, Seattle, WA; Douglas Johnson and Dave Johnson, Lemmon, SD; 13 grandchildren, Bilden, Jamie Ann, Matthew David, Beth Ann, Craig, Jennifer, Jeremiah, Tess, Angela, Amy, Kelly, Tony and Keith; numerous great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Myrl Austad, Lake Preston, SD; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beverly Johnson; two brothers, Harold and Davis Johnson; and one daughter-in-law, LuRay Johnson.