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BORN
1943
DIED
2020
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Craig Johnson Obituary
Renner, SD - Craig W. Johnson, 77, of Renner, SD, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at his home under hospice care. Craig was born January 9, 1943 at Flandreau, SD to Clyde and Evelyn (Dahl) Johnson. He attended school in Flandreau and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1961, then entering the U.S. Air Force. Craig married LaVonne Olson in Flandreau, SD on November 12, 1963. They moved to Madison, SD after Craig's discharge while he attended Dakota State College, graduating in 1969. Craig was a band director at Scotland, SD from 1970 - 1979. They moved to Pierre, SD and he worked for Governor Janklow as a Cabinet Secretary for the Department of Commerce and Regulations and then the Department of Labor. After living between Pierre and Spearfish, Craig was the Executive Director of the Northern Hills Development for the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative. After retiring in 2009 they retired to Renner, SD and LaVonne passed away September 10, 2016. Craig loved nothing more than teasing his family, friends, students and co-workers. He loved to be with his family, although not always in the same room, and he dearly loved his constant companion for the last 4 years, his cat CC.
Craig is survived by his two daughters, Lisa (Brian) Bondy, Pierre, SD and Traci (Todd) Arens, Stillwater, MN; five grandchildren, Christopher Bondy, Anna Bondy, Gunner Arens, Cooper Arens and Joe Arens; and sister-in-law Dottie Johnson, Volga, SD. Craig was preceded in death by his wife LaVonne, granddaughter Katie, his parents, and brother Doug.
Private services will be held with burial in Union Cemetery, Flandreau. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials to Feeding South Dakota and Sioux Falls Humane Society. Arrangements by Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau. www.skrochfc.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Craig Johnson
Sponsored by Skroch Funeral Chapel - Flandreau.
5 Entries
Julie (Hagen) Shultis
April 5, 2020
Mr. Johnson was my band director my Junior and Senior years at Oldham High School in '69-'70 and '70-'71...He was an amazing teacher and a dear friend! Our marching band won many awards under his guidance (our most memorable marching band trip was to Deadwood for Days of '76, a trip we all still talk about to this day!).... and the music he chose for us to play in both marching and concert band was challenging and kept us reaching to improve ourselves individually and as a group. Just recently, while attending my grandson's concert at Northern State University, you can imagine my surprise when the college band played two of the songs the OHS Band played under his direction...and we played it well! He went onto teach at Scotland the next few years and my cousins had the privilege of having him as their band director! When my husband and I were in Scotland to visit family, we would make sure to stop and say hi to Craig and LaVonne. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing and will always remember him with great fondness as will all of the OHS band members. We love you, Mr. Johnson! Sending our condolences, love, and prayers to you all.
Becky Popma
March 20, 2020
Love ❤ Mr. Johnson...great band director...late 1970's ...Rip Mr. Johnson
Michele Bertrand Kunkel
March 20, 2020
Craig was my band teacher for all the years I was in band. He was a great man and will be sorely missed.
Debra Bollinger
March 20, 2020
I worked with him at the Department of Commerce and Regulation. Always a fair boss and a wonderful guy. So sorry for his loss to his family and close friends.
Jan Erickson
March 19, 2020
Loved him much. A neighbor up the street in Pierre. He put up with me in his first office there. Always in good humor. Lavonne was a neighbor and friend also. Had lunch together last year. He will be missed by many.
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Skroch Funeral Chapel - Flandreau409 2nd Avenue East, Flandreau, SD 57028
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