Dennis Johnson, 75, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, died Sunday, April 19, 2020, at his home.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
Dennis Johnson was born to Harold and Eleanore (Christensen) Johnson on March 17, 1945, in Viborg, South Dakota, in Turner County.
Dennis went to country school in the areas of Parker, South Dakota, Garretson, South Dakota, Sherman, South Dakota, Worthington, and finished his school years in Luverne. He graduated from Luverne High School in 1963. He was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Luverne.
Dennis served in the Army National Guard of Minnesota and was honorably discharged on Jan. 2, 1966. He also served in the United States Army, honorably discharged on March 12, 1968, and the United States Navy Seabees, honorably discharged on Dec. 31, 1969. He was awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the Department of Defense for meritorious service as equipment operator in Saigon, Vietnam, from December 1968 to July 1969.
Dennis married Carol Severson on Aug. 29, 1965. They later divorced. This union was blessed with three children, David, Catherine, and Peter. Dennis was a devoted truck driver for 45 years, aka “Green Turtle Express” and was very good at what he did. He was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He retired in 2015 at his home in Ocean Springs.
Dennis is survived by his children, David (Victoria) Mize-Johnson of Prineville, Oregon, Cathy (Dan) Bryan of Jasper, and Pete (Julie Kounkel) Johnson of Jasper; grandchildren Dustin Johnson (Christina Lemond), Breanna Johnson, Baylee Johnson, William (Jillian) Mize, Matthew Johnson, Megan Bryan (Jesse Slater), Michael Mize, Cory Bryan and Emily Mize; great-grandchildren Ryder and Marley Johnson; brothers Donald Johnson and Arthur Johnson; sisters Marilyn Madison and Darlene Nagel; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Merlyn Johnson and David Johnson.
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