Alan (Al) Johnson

Alan “Al” Johnson, 84, passed away on March 25, 2026, under the attentive care of hospice.

Alan Gardner Johnson was born on December 29, 1941, in Waterloo, IA, to Ingemar Gustav and Dorothy Mae (Smith) Johnson. Alan accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Waterloo. After graduating from East Waterloo High School, Alan attended Sioux Falls College, studying Education and History. He received his master’s degree in Guidance Counseling from South Dakota State University in Brookings. Al began his career by teaching civics and social studies while also coaching the Washington High School wrestling team and serving as a guidance counselor at McCrossans Boys Ranch. He was named The Teacher of the Year from the Jaycees in 1972. 

After teaching for nine years, or as Al would say “I spent nine years in the 9th Grade”, Al began a new endeavor and became a real estate agent. He listed and sold homes for more than 53 years and most importantly guided his clients skillfully through the process. He was especially adept with first time buyers and many remember him for generously giving his time and talent even when they had little to spend. He continued to serve in his profession by teaching Professional Standards and Ethics in Real Estate throughout the state and becoming a respected member of the Board of Realtors locally and statewide. Al was awarded Realtor of the Year in 1985 (to no one’s surprise). He was later honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award and he was a licensed  Realtor upon his passing. He was a member in good standing of the Cosmopolitan Club and a founding member of The Ghosts of Christmas and The Referral Partners. 

Alan’s vocation for helping people extended beyond the real estate and Sioux Falls community to include First Baptist Church where he faithfully mentored marriage groups, taught Sunday school, provided transportation, supported youth groups, studied in the Sojourners class, and was a constant presence in the congregation for all that needed to be done. He was also active in supporting the University of Sioux Falls as an honored member of the Board of Trustees for 15 years, and a fervent supporter of all things USF! USF is not only where he received a great education of faith and skills, it is also where he met the love of his life, Carol Whitmore with whom he shared more than 63 devoted years. 

He enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling, and had dedicated space in his vehicle for maps and a toolbox but dedication to family rose above all other passions. As soon as a child or grandchild could stand, he placed them on a stool to teach them the family tradition of ping-pong. He gave 

countless rides on the John Deere picking up apples and rides around the Orchard on the Polaris and Artic Cat. He was an expert in pumpkin carving, egg dyeing and cookie frosting leaving behind for Carol more of a mess than the kids did. He attended every child and grandchild’s activity he could from music to athletics and would have them autograph a program or roster like the celebrity he thought they were. He live-streamed games after he was no longer able to travel. He was the first known Room Father at Harvey Dunn Elementary! Al is survived by his beloved WIFE AND BEST dance partner Carol, and by their children Jill (Pat) Kirby, Greg (Meg) Johnson, and Matt (Mel) Johnson. Al leaves a beautiful legacy in his grandchildren Ben (Dayton) Johnson (a great-grandbaby on the way), Abby (Annika) Johansson, Josie Johnson, Wyatt Kirby, Katie Johnson and Ryan Johnson. He is also survived by his much-loved sister Carol Elaine (Len) Warren and his good friend and brother-in-law Bob Whitmore. 

Welcoming him in Heaven are his Nephews David and Matt Warren and Mitch Buehler, sister-in-law Kaye Whitmore and all parents and friends preceding him in death.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Al by donating to the First Baptist Church Foundation, the First Baptist Building Fund or The University of Sioux Falls.

A time of sharing, followed by a short prayer service, will be held at Heritage Funeral Home on Thursday, April 2, 2026, beginning at 4:00 p.m., with visitation to follow.

Al’s funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church on Friday, April 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with fellowship and lunch to follow at Minnehaha Country Club.