Craig Johnson was born August 31, 1952 to Richard and Beverly (Holm) Johnson. He passed away May 8 ^th at age 69 after losing his battle with heart issues. Craig grew up around Lake Preston, SD and graduated from DeSmet, SD. His first marriage was to Linda (Zell) Johnson from Huron, SD. In that marriage, his son Jarrett Johnson was born.

After high school, Craig attended SDSU for one semester, and then decided to attend meat cutting school in Pipestone. He had also worked for Fred Peschel for a few years as a meat cutter in DeSmet, SD. After graduating, he went to work in a food market in MN, later coming home to join his dad in agricultural sales. He worked for Sunflower and then later for Landoll as a Territorial Manager, selling tillage equipment in SD, ND and parts of MN.

Craig met Gayle Neuhardt in 2010 and started a long distance relationship since he lived in Fargo and Gayle lived in Aberdeen, making many trips between them. Soon they built a home together in White, SD on the Six Mile Creek Golf Course. Craig loved going to Gayle's grandchildren's events, and became especially attached to Barrett.

Craig loved to play golf and organized many farm benefit tournaments during his years with Landoll. He has been golfing at Six Mile Creek since it was developed. Craig was a prankster, loving to see his friend's reactions to his pranks. He loved hunting pheasants in the fall with his family and enjoyed refinishing furniture as a hobby. Craig loved visiting with his friends and neighbors, having them over for a beer. He enjoyed playing cards at Lefty's, and going to Vikings and Twins games. Together, Craig and Gayle looked forward to following the SDSU basketball teams and Deubrook High School sports. Craig organized our local 'Cans for Kids,' donating to youth golf. He was proud of his lawn and many days you would also see him mowing problem spots on the golf course.

Craig is survived by his partner Gayle Neuhardt, his son Jarrett Johnson, his siblings Dawn (Roger) Larsen, Glenda (Randy) Odegaard, Theresa (Glen) Jung, Charlie (Brooke) Johnson, Doug (Stacy) Johnson, and many nephews and nieces. Preceding Craig's death are his parents, Richard and Beverly Johnson, and his step-mother, Judy (Nelson) Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations to go to Six Mile Creek Golf Course for continuing improvements. A memorial account has been set up as Craig Johnson Memorial, First Bank & Trust, PO Box 365, White, SD 57401.

A "Celebration of Life" for Craig will be an open house Sunday, May 15 ^th , from 4-6pm at our home on the golf course, 103 Golf View Drive, White, SD.