Floyd Leonard "Swede" Johnson, 99, passed away July 5, 2022, at Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Swede was born March 22, 1923, in Newell, SD, to parents, Andrew and Anna (Underwood) Johnson. He attended only five years of school and spent all of his adult life in the Newell area working for many ranchers and farmers. He also worked many other jobs. He spent time in San Francisco in the early 40s, while living with his sisters, learning the plumber trade and working for the railroad.

Swede's entire livelihood was herding and lambing sheep on the prairie, and he spent many a day and night in a sheep wagon. Swede was known to always be a gentleman and took pride in his dress. While living alone, he became a very good cook and housekeeper. When he could get to town, he was an excellent pool player and was very good at the game.

Swede enjoyed watching baseball, especially the San Francisco Giants. He told everyone about a trip he made to in 2008 to visit his two sisters, whom he had not seen in many years, in San Francisco and attend a Giant's baseball game. In 2009, he had the opportunity to again attend two games in Denver: the Giants vs the Rockies.

In later years he enjoyed "eating out" and a cold BUD LIGHT at different bars and restaurants, KFC was a special favorite! He enjoyed traveling the backroads in the Newell area, looking over the scenery and drinking an ice-cold beer. Swede still would become excited when seeing a flock of sheep.

Surviving Swede are several nieces and nephews, not from this area. Preceding him in death are his parents and siblings: Gladis, Robert Wayne, Andrea, Connie, Dale and Joyce.

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