10/10/2026
Gerald A Johnson Obituary
Please keep Gary and the entire Johnson family
in your thoughts and prayers
It is with sadness, respect, and honor that we announce the passing of Gerald A. Johnson, 95, Pierre, South Dakota. A visitation will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Feigum Funeral Home concluding with a Masonic Service at 7:00pm. Funeral Service will be held 10:30am Friday, October 16, 2026 at First United Methodist Church in Pierre. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blunt, SD.
Gerald was born on March 22, 1931 to Gustaf Allan Johnson and Pauline Ione Woods Johnson in Highmore, South Dakota, during a blizzard, according to his mother. He attended grade schools at various places and graduated from Montrose, South Dakota high school in1949, the Fighting Irish, and is thought to be the last survivor of the class. From there, Gerald worked a variety of jobs in construction before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, beginning his service in January 1952. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, and Barstow, California. He was on the troop ship to Korea when the armistice was signed and was diverted to Tokyo where he completed his active service with the Marine Corps in 1955.
Upon returning home, he had a blind date with Ruth Ann Schumacher, a school teacher from Miller, South Dakota. There was an immediate attraction for them both and they were married June 26, 1955 in her hometown of Iroquois, South Dakota. They made their home in Blunt, South Dakota, where they raised their family. They were blessed with three children, a son, Gary, a daughter, Beaba, and a daughter, Paula. They were married for 64 years before her passing in 2019.
When Gerald returned home from the Marine Corps, he was offered an opportunity to go into business with his father, Allan Johnson. They formed Allan Johnson and Son Construction which they operated successfully until 1964. At that time Gerald’s brother-in-law, Elden Garrett, was asked to join them. They formed A-G-E corporation, which is still in existence today operating as a fourth generation heavy highway construction company. Gerald was deeply involved in the industry of construction as a member of the Association of General Contractors of America, South Dakota’s Highway Heavy Utilities Chapter serving as president in 1979.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He served as the Grand Master of Masons of South Dakota in 1992 as the Potentate of Yelduz Shrine Temple, Aberdeen in 2005. He was a life member of almost all Masonic organizations, veteran associations, including the United States Marine Corps League. The American Bonanza Pilots Association, among other groups too numerous to mention.
In 2021 he was a member of the Midwest Honor Flight 7 to Washington, DC. He received his final honor in 2023 when he was awarded the Atomic Veteran’s medal by US Senator Mike Rounds for his service as a Marine participating in the 1954 atomic bomb testings.
He is survived by his son Gary (Carol) Fort Pierre, South Dakota, Paula Barber (Ken) Onida, South Dakota, six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and special friend, Marcy Fifield.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Ann, his daughter Barbara (Beaba) Lynn Terce, and his parents.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Yelduz Shriners Children's Hospital or Hospice at Home in Pierre, SD.
