The Virtual Funeral Service of Judy Johnson

Judith (Judy) Johnson, age 71 of Brookings passed away after a battle with cancer on Friday, September 4, 2020 in her home.

A small private family service will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2020.  A public graveside service will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, September 14, 2020, at Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings.  Social distancing will be followed and masks are required.  Please bring a lawn chair for the service.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

A week before Judy passed away, the following scene unfolded in her backyard: Del (her husband) was helping Judy out of the house to a wheelchair, wheeling her to a lounging lawn chair and making her comfortable. At the same time this was happening, Judy was quoting 2 Corinthians 4:16 which states, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." And she added, "And my inside is really good."

The very intimate, personal, loving relationship with Jesus overflowed to the many lives of family and friends.

Judy Malde Johnson, the daughter of Lloyd and Alice (Lovdahl) Malde was born on November 12, 1948 in Mitchell, SD. She was the oldest of 3 daughters. She grew up in the small town of Mt. Vernon, SD. She met Delmar (Del) Johnson at Mt. Vernon High School, and they were married on May 30, 1970. They made their home in Brookings at the time. They raised 2 children.

Judy graduated from Mt.Vernon High School and Dakota State College.

She loved all the traveling she and Del did together, often reading books to each other on the drive. Their travels took them to visit their children and grandchildren and even relatives in Norway. Her four grandchildren were the love of her life and she was able to spend several months with them each year, visiting them at their homes in other states and loving the times they visited South Dakota. She was also very involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews, always rejoicing if they chose to attend SDSU so she could have them over for meals. She taught piano lessons to many children/teens over the years. Scripture memorization was very important to her. She loved knitting and making sweaters for many of her great nieces and nephews. She was very involved at Gracepoint Wesleyan Church: playing the organ, singing in choir, helping with the nursery/children's ministries, and attending Bible studies. She and Del enjoyed singing with the Hopeful Spirit Corale which ministered to those with health problems in the community. A long time tradition of hers was to gather together with a group of ladies for Tuesday lunches. She loved the time she spent getting to know the ladies at the Brookings Multicultural Center. And, oh, so many wonderful memories around her dining room table!

Her story is a testimony of God's wonderful faithfulness. She trusted Him through the good times and the difficult times. Thank God for her and His grace that carried her through.

Judy is survived by: husband: Delmar "Del" Johnson; children: Erik (Melinda) Johnson of New York; Marin Giardino of Rapid City; grandchildren: Ethan Malo, Eliana "Ellie", Lars, and Kiersten Johnson; sisters: Jeanne (Denny) Van Dyke; Loey (Darrell) Olson; Nieces and nephews: Jenni (Kory) Hunter, Megan (Brandon) Tirrill; Carl (Kara) Olson, Ben (Hannah) Olson, Mark (Lauren) Olson, Michael (Kindsey) Olson; and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CRU (Formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) or Gideons International. Cards and memorials can be directed to The Family of Judy Johnson c/o Eidsness Funeral Home, 1617 Orchard Dr., Brookings, SD 57006.