Kenneth Wayne Johnson, age 94, of Newell, South Dakota entered this life on July 15, 1932 in Carthage, South Dakota. He was the youngest of three children born to Albert Herman Johnson and Betty Augusta (Nielson) Johnson. Ken lived a life many people only dream about never spending a day in front of a computer screen or tethered to a cell phone. As a young boy, he sold local Carthage residents rabbits and pheasants shot with his 22 rifle and retrieved by his dog Rover to help support the family. Early on he worked with his father and brother on fall harvest, construction, and masonry. Many of the houses and churches he built still stand throughout Southeast South Dakota. As a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army, he specialized in heavy duty field artillery support and radar tracking. He was stationed in San Francisco, California from 1953 until honorably discharged in 1955. He was united in marriage to Phyllis Arlene Roos on June 5, 1958 in Carthage, South Dakota. This happy union of 67 years was blessed with three children, Vicki Diane, Brenda Kay, and Monty Allen. His passion for hunting and trapping continued throughout his life and in 1966 he was offered a position as a South Dakota State Trapper. Ken often remarked about his 30-years as a State Trapper that he “never worked another day in his life” because of the love of this job. During his 30-year career as a South Dakota State Trapper he worked in Carthage, Marion, and he eventually ended up in Newell, South Dakota in 1974 where he retired in 1996. To the benefit of the South Dakota ranchers, he shot over 10,000 coyotes from a Super Cub aircraft. Throughout the years, he continued to enjoy shooting, archery, fishing, and playing pool. His archery trophies include, bear, turkey, fish, deer and antelope. He caught and supplied live rattlesnakes to Reptile Gardens in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was a mentor to many young hunters, trappers and archery enthusiasts. Ken enjoyed learning, reading, writing, inventing, and drawing. He was quick to write a poem, sketch wildlife, or draw plans for his next idea. Ken’s social media included sitting around the table with friends and family playing cards and possibly rolling dice to see who would pay for coffee. Surrounded by his three children, Ken died on Wednesday, August 4, 2026 at River Terrace in Madison, Indiana.

Ken will be missed by daughters Vicki Stark of Nisland, South Dakota, Brenda (Terry) Burge of Marion, South Dakota, and his son, Monty (Beth) Johnson of Madison, Indiana; his grandchildren Robert Burge, and significant other, LeAnn Peterson with her son Julian of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Brian Burge of Beresford, South Dakota, Crystal (Mike) Cunningham of Crestwood, Kentucky, Logan (Lina) Raths of Sturgis, South Dakota, Stephanie (Bryant) Fuchs of Bowman, North Dakota, Jennifer (Evan) Hamilton of Madison, Indiana, and Daniel “Trapper” Johnson; great-grandchildren Clara, Oscar, and Walter “Wally” Burge; Emma, Samantha and Henry Cunningham; Evelyn and Aubrey Raths; Elianna and Vance Fuchs; and Alyeska and Asher Hamilton; sister-in-law: Barb (Arny) Roos of Peoria, Arizona; and other relatives. A friend of special note, Marcella “Marcie” Hatfield of Newell, South Dakota and Enid, Oklahoma, also survives, to whom the family is deeply grateful for her loving care and friendship she has provided Rosie and Ken throughout the years. He was preceded in death by his parents Albert Herman Johnson and Betty Augusta (Nielsen) Johnson; sister, Ruth Lavonne Hamro; brother, Albert Aagren Johnson, Jr.; granddaughter, Lynn Burge; son-in-law, Peter Stark; nieces; Gloria Anderson and Betty Johnson; nephews Roy Johnson and Nathan Hamro; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ken’s beloved wife of 67 years, Phyllis “Rosie” Arlene Johnson, died on December 15, 2025.

Ken’s life will be celebrated at Kincade Funeral Chapel on September 11, 2026 at 10:00. He will be laid to rest in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Carthage, South Dakota. Condolences to the family may be sent to: Ken & Rosie Johnson Family, P.O. Box 413, Madison, IN 47250.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to Pleasant View Cemetery, Carthage, South Dakota, remembering that today is only temporary, however, our local cemeteries to whom we entrust our loved ones require care forever. Pleasant View Cemetery Association, PO Box 131, Carthage, SD 57323.