Helmer L. Johnson, age 93, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2020 at his residence.
Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2020 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown with Reverend Cheryl Rondeau-Basset officiating.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, September 18, 2020 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel.
Urn Bearers will be Chad Eide, Jason Williams, Larry Shepherd and Allen Williams.
Helmer LeRoy Johnson was born to Ernest and Mary (Rossel) Johnson on July 4, 1927 in DeSmet, SD. He grew up on the family farm near Watertown, SD where he attended and graduated from Country School. On November 27, 1947 he married Mary Joyce Rogers at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD. They were blessed with and raised three children, Douglas, David and Jeanine. Helmer provided for his family by farming, mechanical and construction work. They moved to California in 1972. He continued with mechanical work, specializing in diesel and working on chainsaws for loggers. Helmer was also a proud member of the Archery Club in Chilcoot, CA.
In 1996, Helmer and Joyce moved back to Watertown where he worked with the Green Thumb program at the Game, Fish and Parks Department. Helmer enjoyed his time fishing, woodworking, bowling, dancing, bird watching, tinkering in his garage and talking with all of his grandchildren.
Helmer is survived by his children, Douglas (Marianne) Johnson of Livermore, CA, David (Candice) Johnson of Reno, NV and Jeanine Eide of Watertown, SD; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Doris McCartney of Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Joyce Johnson; his brother, Francis; his sisters, Edna, Myrtle, Gladys, Irene, Dorothy and Elsie; and his son-in-law, Martin Eide.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com