In Remembrance of Jeffrey G. Johnson

   Jeffrey George Johnson, 73, passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Known for his humor, passion, and competitive spirit, Jeff built a life centered on family, community, and the land he loved.

   Born on March 2, 1952, to George Fielding and Corinne Viola (Spicknall) Johnson, Jeff grew up in Gregory, South Dakota.  He attended South Dakota State University from 1970-1974 where he joined Sigma Alpha Epsilon and earned his degree in Agricultural Business. Jeff had a rare gift for maintaining connections.  He remained close with friends he had known since grade school, and his fraternity brothers continued to gather every year; a ritual of which he was endlessly proud.

   In 1982, he married Valerie Steppat, the love of his life. Together they raised four children, building a home filled with laughter, games, and traditions. The Johnson home was always a gathering place, not only for family but for countless friends as well. Jeff and Valerie welcomed their children’s friends as if they were their own, hosting many pool parties in the backyard where laughter and splashing carried late into summer evenings. Jeff especially delighted in repurposing the paved courtyard his father had built, transforming it to match whatever his kids were most excited about at the time – whether it became a basketball court, a baseball diamond, or even, one memorable winter, an ice-skating rink. And in recent years, Jeff found incredible happiness watching his grandchildren take on the same activities, carrying on the traditions that had always made the Johnson home a place of joy, mischief, and love.

   Jeff spent more than four decades in banking, rising from loan officer to President of the Gregory branch of BankWest. Jeff took great pride in supporting local farmers and businesses. 

   Beyond work and family, Jeff pursued many hobbies. He was a golfer, racquetball player, and fast-pitch softball enthusiast (“Go Nads Go!”). He enjoyed the craft of woodworking: building benches, tables, and other outdoor furniture, and was well known for his personalized, carved wooden signs. Jeff was also deeply fascinated by genealogy and history and was a member of the South Dakota State Historical Society.  Jeff carried a profound respect for the region’s past and a commitment to its future. He spent countless hours researching not only Gregory County’s past, but also the history of the United States.  As true history and trivia fan, he wrote an article about President Harry S. Truman visiting Gregory, which was included in a publication of the South Dakota History Museum.

   Jeff’s passion for his hometown was evident in the countless ways he gave back to his community. He served as a two-time President of the Rotary Club, Director of the Gregory Community Foundation, and took pride in coaching youth activities – leading both the Gregory boys’ baseball and girls’ softball teams. He was also the familiar voice of Gregory baseball, serving as announcer and sound-effects DJ. Jeff twice served as President of the Gregory Golf and Recreation Association, as well as President of both the Gregory Racquetball Club and the Gregory Athletic Club. His dedication extended to public service, where he served three terms as a Gregory County Commissioner and volunteered as an ambulance driver for seven years.

   An avid outdoorsman, Jeff co-founded Wild Wings Hunting Service with his brother Rick in 1987, creating a lasting legacy.  He organized and hosted numerous benefit hunts and community events, using his love of the outdoors to support local causes and bring people together.  Jeff took great pride in building this business and delighted in seeing future generations enjoy and carry it forward. Wild Wings will continue to offer pheasant hunts, safeguard the land, and share South Dakota’s natural beauty with others.

   He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Valerie; his children, Jenica Johnson (Durant Knox), Mackenzie Johnson (Hayley Johnson), Corena Wenner (Ben Wenner), and Paxten Baker (Lucas Baker); his eight(soon to be 9) grandchildren; and many additional family members and friends. 

   In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to support the planting of trees, continuing Jeff’s love of the land:

https://www.venmo.com/u/JGJ-MemorialTreeFund

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   A Celebration of Life was held the evening of October 8 beginning at 6 pm at Wild Wings Lodge. Memorial services for Jeffrey Johnson, of Gregory, SD, were held Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 10:30 am at the United Methodist Church in Gregory, SD, with Pastor Royal Archer officiating.

   Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist.

   Congregational Hymn was "Hymn of Promise."

   Recorded music was "Come Away With Me" by Nora Jones, "You Can Close Your Eyes" by James Taylor, and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" by Chicago.

   Alice Vereen was in charge of registration.

   Flower attendants were the Sunday Coffee group.

   Urn Bearers were Scott Phillips, Dennis Lang, Dave DeVos, Rick Schneider, Mike Peterson, Ray Gosmire, Ron Rankin, Gregg Drees, Rod Graesser, and Dave Eisland. 

   Honorary Urn Bearers were George Johnson, Gavin Pochop, David Kotrba, and Hank Wonnenberg.

Inurnment was in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Gregory, SD.