Eileen Esther Johnson, 95, of Alcester, South Dakota died May 3, 2018 at Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Eileen was born on May 11, 1922 in Alcester, where she lived her entire life.  She graduated from Alcester High School and Beauty College in Sioux City, Iowa.  However, her true passion was music.  She was a very gifted pianist, yet she never received a degree in music.  Still, during a 60-year span her students consistently received the highest awards at music contests!

She and her husband Richard made vital contributions to the community, education, musical life, and to Alcester Baptist Church.  Eileen served as the church pianist.  Her love of God was expressed through her music making and teaching.

She is survived by her two daughters, Sheila (Rik) Hansen of Minneapolis, MN and Dawn (Wayne) Mielke of Hartford, SD; her grandchildren, Zachary Hansen, Abigail (Michael) Burris, Siri (Casey) Buller, and Allison (Mike) Sandstedt; her great-grandchildren, Gardner Buller, Gabriel and Amaya Burris; and a special friend, Ruth Westling.

Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am Saturday, May 12th at Alcester Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service.  A Celebration of Life reception will follow the service. Memorials may be directed to Alcester Baptist Church.