Vernon L. Johnson was born July 17, 1942 near Beresford, South Dakota to parents Hans and Ardella (Sorenson) Johnson. He died January 2, 2019 at Hawarden Regional Hospital in Hawarden, Iowa at the age of 76 years, five months and 15 days.

He was raised on the family farm north of Beresford. Following his graduation from Beresford High School in 1960 Vernon joined the US Army. He served in Panama from 1964-1966. Vernon was honorably discharged and returned to South Dakota where he married Audrey Morehead September 24, 1966. Vernon attended Sioux Empire College in Hawarden, Iowa on the G.I. Bill. He worked for Chuck Carlson Feed, Amoco and the Co-op. He worked at Sioux Fertilizer in Hawarden and as supervisor for the waste water department for Alcester.

Vernon was a cowboy at heart and loved all things with farming and animals. He farmed some land with his father and raised Herefords. He liked county and state fairs and was always willing to help with 4-H projects. Vernon enjoyed collecting toy tractors and horses. He loved to hunt deer and go fishing with his grandsons. Vernon could be found most mornings at Total Stop having coffee with friends. He dearly loved his Green Bay Packers and watching PBR events.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey Johnson of Alcester; son, Brad (Christy) Johnson of Centerville; two grandsons, Tyler Johnson and his friend, Mia and Evan Johnson and his friend, Steffanie; two step-grandchildren, Mandy Slaght and Jarrod (Taylor) Slaght; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Joanne (Gary) Gower of Silverdale, WA and Marjorie Johnson of Beresford; two nephews, Jason Burakiewicz and Nathan Burakiewicz and his niece Debbie Moffat. His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 10:00AM Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Hawarden United Methodist Church. Visitation will be 3-8PM Friday, January 4th at Wass Funeral Home in Beresford with the family present from 5-7PM and a prayer service at 7PM.