George B. Johnson

Arlington, SD

1934, 2747, Camp Crook, DF-19,

George B. Johnson, 99 of Sinai, died Sunday, October 11, 2009 at the Brookings Hospital in Brookings, SD.

George B. Johnson was born September 24, 1910, on the farm that his grandparents homesteaded west of Sinai, SD. He grew up in the house that his grandparents built and attended country school east of his home. George developed a love for reading, geography and history which ultimately lead him to a life of adventure. During the hard years of the depression, both he and his brother entered the Civilian Conservation Corps., working for the government, building dams, bridges, and roads in the western part of South Dakota. He then served in the Navy throughout the war in the Pacific. George then spent several years working in southern California as a farm hand. He returned to Sinai permanently in the early 1950's. He and other carpenters became "the ones to see" if you needed anything built or repaired. He took pride in pointing out his many building projects. After he "retired" from carpentry, he took employment at the Sinai Elevator where he remained until he officially retired. George was remarkably humble, hardworking, knowledgeable of world affairs and his sense of humor was beyond measure, especially when he teased his friends and family. A few of George's favorite past times were listening to the Minnesota Twins, visiting with the boys at the Sinai Locker, enjoying meals and travels with his good friend Bill Olson, and mowing his lawn. He recently enjoyed the celebration of his 99 birthday. George was a member of American Legion Post 133 and the Sinai Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his nephews, LeRue (Gwen) Olesen, Arlington, SD LeRoy (Peggy) Olesen of Piedmont, SD, nephew-in-law, Dan Barker, Madison, SD and niece-in- law, Carol Olesen, Arlington, SD, ten grand-nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Christine Johnson, his step-father, Lars Benson, his sister Mae Johnson Olesen, brother, Freddie Johnson, sister-in-law, Meryenda Johnson, brother-in-law, Lewie Olesen, niece, Marjorie Olesen Barker, nephew, Loren Olesen and grandnephew, Steven Barker.

Funeral services for Mr. Johnson will be 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at the Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Arlington with burial in the West Sinai Cemetery at Sinai, SD. with grave site rites by American Legion Post 133. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the funeral home and preceding services.

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