READ: Tim Johnson’s obituary

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Tim Johnson’s full obituary was shared with KELOLAND Media Group.

You can read the full obituary attached below.

“Former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson, 77, of Sioux Falls, SD, died on October 8, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife, Barbara, and their family in Sioux Falls.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 18 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

As a fourth-generation South Dakotan, Tim was a prominent elected official in South Dakota for 36 years. Born in Canton, he never knew his parents’ political affiliation, only their belief in public service and civic participation. He graduated from Vermillion High School, where he held the record for touchdowns scored in a single season. He attended the University of South Dakota (USD), earning a BA, MA, and JD.   He was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Tim met his wife, Barbara Brooks of Sioux Falls, while both were freshmen at USD. Their love and support for each other during 55 years of marriage helped them become loving parents and grandparents, as well as seeing them through numerous professional and personal challenges. Together, they raised three children: Brooks, Brendan, and Kelsey.  Despite a demanding career, he seldom missed their activities. While Tim is best known for his legislative career, he found his role as a father to be his most profound experience because “From the first cry, our lives were changed and enriched forever.”

In 2006, Tim suffered a severe brain hemorrhage that brought him close to death.  When he returned to the Senate nine months later, the Senate floor was filled with Senators from both parties. Dana Milbank, writing for the Washington Post, described his return as the feel-good story of the summer. “Feuding political factions united to celebrate the earnest lawmaker’s against-the-odds triumph over illness.”

First elected to the state legislature in 1978, Tim won 16 consecutive primary and general elections to become the longest-serving public official in South Dakota history. Before retiring in 2015, he served two terms in the SD House of Representatives (1979-1983), two terms in the SD Senate (1983-1987), five terms in the US House of Representatives (1987-1997), and three terms in the US Senate (1997-2015).

During his tenure in office, Tim made an impact in virtually every community, county and corner of South Dakota. He worked to increase access to health care, advocated for veterans, farmers and members of the military, worked closely with Native American communities, and stood with working men and women. Tim’s leadership will continue to benefit South Dakotans for many years to come.

In his first term in Congress, he successfully passed more legislation than any other Freshman member. Later, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and a longtime member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he was in a pivotal position to secure funding for important priorities across South Dakota.

In an excellent example of bipartisan leadership, Senator Johnson spearheaded the push for the Mni Wiconi water project over more than two decades, which ultimately delivered clean drinking water to thousands of people. The project required a leader trusted by both reservation and ranching communities. Tim introduced the bill to authorize construction during his first term in Congress and pushed for funding year after year until it was completed.

Tim received numerous awards and honors from both South Dakota and national groups, including a special ceremony from the Lakota people where Chief David Bald Eagle honored him by giving him the name “Wacante Ognake,” which means “holds the people in his heart,” a name he cherished.

His public service was recognized with honorary doctorates from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota.

Tim always believed that hard work, compromise, and a focus on helping people would yield lasting results.

The grandson of Lutheran Pastor Peder Ljosveit, his religion was a guiding force throughout his life. He was a dedicated member of St. Mark’s Church.

Tim is survived by wife Barbara (Brooks) and children Brooks (Naida) Johnson, Millis, MA, Brendan (Jana) Johnson, and Kelsey (Tim) Billion of Sioux Falls. His eight grandchildren, Arijus, Aureja, Trualem, Penn, Sutton, Cooper Johnson, and Jay and Tom Billion, were the joy of his life.  He is also survived by his brother Tom (Brenda) Johnson of Yankton, and sister Julie (Steve) Spencer of Richmond, MI., and his brothers-in-law Ted, Bob (Judy), Ron (Lauri), Ray (Lisa), Rick (Carol) and Steve (Janice) Brooks and 17 nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Van and Ruth Johnson, his nephew Kent Johnson, and sisters-in-law Nancy Brooks and Ricky Erway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tim’s honor to the Promising Futures Fund, 834 S. Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 or www.promisingfuturesfund.org and Feeding South Dakota, 4701 N. Westport Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57107 or at https://www.feedingsouthdakota.org/ .”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.