Lloyd’s Obituary Dr. Lloyd Johnson, 87, longtime resident of Pierre, passed away at home May 11, 2019. Lloyd Leland Johnson was born on the family farm September 28, 1931, between Bowdle and Tolstoy, SD to Walter and Tillie Johnson. From grades 1-8, he rode his faithful horse Spike to a 1-room country school.
He grew up thoroughly enjoying holiday feasts and gatherings with extended family including grandparents, uncles, aunts, and a host of cousins. After grade school, he attended high school at Plainview Academy in Redfield, SD, graduating in 1949. He went on to attend Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.
It was there that he first laid eyes on his future wife Gayle Thomas singing a solo at church. It was love at first sight and sound. They were married on June 17, 1953 in Bowdle, SD.
Soon after, Uncle Sam called and Lloyd and Gayle lived in 14 different locations including 2 years in Munich, Germany while Lloyd served in the Army and pursued his education. From the time he had his first checkup as a little boy, Lloyd knew he wanted to be a dentist. After the Army, Lloyd finished college and then graduated from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 1961.
Soon after Lloyd and Gayle moved to Pierre where Lloyd practiced dentistry until his retirement in 2005, first at the old Pierre Clinic on S. Huron Ave. and then at 401 E. Sioux Ave. During those years he touched the lives of thousands of patients who appreciated his gentle, caring touch.
In retirement, Lloyd found great satisfaction in giving back to the community as a traveling dentist with the Delta Dental South Dakota Caremobile. He enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and bringing modern dental care directly to underserved populations in distant corners of South Dakota. During retirement, he and Gayle also found time to travel the world and visit exotic locations such China, Turkey, South America, Egypt, and Europe.
Lloyd delighted in the life experiences and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. And although he dearly missed Gayle, his life companion of nearly 65 years who died last year, his devotion to family and church was part of his ultimate joy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Grateful for having been a part of his life are his son and daughter-in-law Craig and Teresa Johnson of Redmond, WA; son Marlin Johnson of Pierre; daughter and son-in-law Rhonda and Scott Goransson of Plainfield, IL; sister, Carol Allen, of Grand Prairie, TX; sister-in-law Arlene Wiist of Keene, TX; grandchildren Dustin Goransson, Danielle Goransson, Anna Johnson, Daniel Johnson; and nieces and nephews.
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