Aberdeen: The funeral service for Elroy Johnson, 95, of Aberdeen will be
2 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2013, at First United Methodist Church, Aberdeen, with Pastor Eldon Reich officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Elroy died Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at Sanford Health, Aberdeen.
Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2013, with family present from 6 to 7 p.m. at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen.
Elroy Julius Johnson was born July 21, 1917, at home in Nahon to Paul and Josephine (Nelson) Johnson. This is the area where he grew up and attended school.
On Oct. 21, 1942, Elroy was united in marriage to Genevieve Gerth at Scandinavia Lutheran Church in Bath. Three children were added to this union.
Elroy and Genevieve settled on a farm south of Aberdeen, where Elroy farmed for 35 years, raising grain and dairy cattle. In 1970, Elroy was elected Brown County Sheriff. He served in law enforcement for 16 years. As a sheriff, Elroy was known for fairness and compassion for all. Governor William Janklow proclaimed Dec. 30, 1982, to be Sheriff Elroy Johnson Day. Elroy and Governor Janklow became good friends while Elroy served as sheriff.
Elroy was a member of the Yelduz Shrine, Masonic Lodge and the South Dakota Sheriff's Association. He was a lifetime member of the Farm Bureau and the Republican Party. Elroy enjoyed hunting, traveling to the Black Hills with his family and quality time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be forever remembered for his love of family, patience and work ethic.
Grateful for having shared Elroy's life are his wife, Genevieve Johnson, Aberdeen; sons: Charles (Jane) Johnson, Lake City, Gordon (Karen) Johnson, Aberdeen; daughter-in law, Dixie Johnson, Goodwin; grandchildren: Tami Johnson, Jeremy (Linda) Johnson, Andrew (Ally) Johnson, Donnie Draeger, Nadine (Mike) Richter, Scott (Chrystal) Johnson, Sarah (Jayson) Swanson, Aberdeen; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Dennis Johnson; and brothers: Kenneth Johnson and Marvin Johnson.
spitzerfuneralhome.com