Morris Ivan Johnson, 86, Deadwood, died Friday, December 28, 2018 at the VA Black Hills Health Care Center at Fort Meade, SD.
Born the youngest of five in Rapid City he truly loved the Black Hills, and lived in this area most of his life. He always said, "I was born here and I will die here."
He was proud to have served his country as a seabee in the Navy. He spoke fondly of his experiences and the places around the world he visited.
He was a very social person and talked a lot. (Sometimes too much!) I would say, "Dad you shouldn't say that in public!" He would respond quickly and carry on with his conversation. He had a hat that said, "You can tell a Norwegian but you can't tell them much!" That was a statement that fit him to a tee.
He loved his friends (you all know who you are)! He was a regular at the VFW post @5969 in Deadwood. Dad also enjoyed sports, especially football. Go Bronco's!!! He played golf all of his life and had three holes in one. That always amazed me because most of us never experience one. He was honest and always said what was on his mind even when you didn't want to hear it. If he was here right now and had one last thing to say it would be "Tell everyone I love them."
Special thanks to Joel Westcot (AKA Ponch) who always went out of his way to be a good friend.
Survivors include his children, Sheree Raymore, Kristi Johnson, Lea Geer, Ben Johnson, Andru Johnson, and Morris Johnson, Jr., all living in the Northwest; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one niece, Ales Johnson, Edgemont, SD.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.
Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2019, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
A memorial has been established to the Deadwood VFW.

Click on link to view service folder