Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson
Paul Peter Johnson, age 83 of Brookings, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2020 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Visitation without the family present will be from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2020, at Eidsness Funeral Home. Masks are recommended. A private funeral for immediate family will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2020, at Eidsness Funeral Home with burial to follow at the East Hendricks Cemetery in Hendricks, MN. The funeral will be live-streamed on www.eidsnessfuneralhome.com under Paul’s obituary.
Paul was born June 12, 1937 in Hendricks, MN to Paul P. and Inga (Moe) Johnson. He grew up in Hendricks, the 2nd youngest of 9 children. He graduated in 1955 from Hendricks High School, where he lettered in 4 sports. On September 22, 1956, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Winifred Krier Johnson in Hendricks and to this union, 4 children were born.
Paul attended the University of Minnesota following graduation until transferring to South Dakota State University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in 1960 & his Masters in Education in 1966. Paul taught Mathematics and coached in the Brookings School System for 36 years, retiring in 1996. In retirement, Paul excitably embraced his role of primary daycare provider for 2 sets of newborn and toddler twin grandchildren, while assuring a constant presence in the lives of all 12 of his grandchildren.
Paul served as Membership Chairman and President of the Brookings Education Association. He was President of the S.D. Council of Teachers of Math and was appointed as the NEA Convention Delegate for 6 years as a member of the Election & Resolutions Committee. Paul wrote and published an Individualized Math Program for Middle School math & algebra. Paul was awarded “Outstanding Leader”. In addition, Paul conducted math workshops nationwide for Educational Consultant Associates based in Denver, CO. Paul was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings since 1963, participating on the Worship Council and the Church Choir.
With a love for the game, Paul was a legend & fixture in the Brookings Sports Community. Paul participated in City League Basketball and Softball, retiring from softball at age 70. He played baseball for the Brookings Cubs and the S.D.Rushmores Men’s Senior Baseball league. At age 73, he hung up his glove for the last time after playing in the Men’s Senior Baseball League World Series in Arizona. Paul received his SDHSCA 25 year coaching award in 1995 and was selected for the Coaches Victory Club in 1995 & 1999. Dressed in his recognizable red Senior World Series jacket and baseball cap, Paul had a notable presence at every game & always a word of encouragement for every player. He was everybody’s biggest fan.
Most admired were Paul’s faith and character. Paul was generous with his friendliness, unwavering in his enthusiasm and positivity, steadfast in his discipleship and undying in his devotion to his family.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 64 years, Winifred K Johnson; Children: Lori (Rick) Daniels, West Union, IA; Cindy (Jon) Swenson, Aberdeen, SD; Marty (Teri) Johnson, Brookings, SD; Tami (John) Stuart, Brookings, SD; Grandchildren: Ryan (Ashley) Daniels; Taylor (Nefeli) Johnson, Alyssa (Spencer) Laufmann, Alec (Alexa) Johnson, Emily Johnson, Elliot (Quovondo) Johnson; Tyler (Elisabeth) Swenson, Bailey (Lance) Mohr, Riley Swenson; Charles (Tracy) Stuart, Hailey Stuart, Hannah (Seth) Stuart. Great-grandchildren: Jude, Bode, Oaklan, Harper, Laney, Logan, Adalyn. Sister, Ruth (Dave) Grengs of Farmington, MN; Sister in laws: Lois Johnson and Ruth Johnson of Hendricks, MN, Betty Aune of MN; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Inga; brothers and sisters: Bernice Mathison (& Adolph), Parnell Johnson (& Esther), Milton Johnson (& Verona), Irene Johnson, Donald Johnson (& Doris), Glen Johnson and Kenneth Johnson; brother in law: Dr. James Krier (& Marge).