Fern Eileen Johnson, age 92, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls under the loving care of AseraCare hospice and the Good Samaritan staff. Fern was born January 8, 1922 to Oscar and Gladys (Guse) Bjordahl on the family farm east of Erwin, SD. She was the third of seven children. Her early life and teen years were shaped by the loss of her mother in 1931, the depression and drought of the '30s, and a loving, tight-knit family. Despite the harsh conditions of the '30s, Fern had very fond memories of her family's experiences. Faith and family were central to her values.After graduating from Erwin High School in 1940, Fern lived and worked in Seattle during the first few years of World War II. She shared many events and emotions from that turbulent time: working in the military cafeteria for German POWs, rationing, and deep concern for family and friends fighting overseas, to name just a few. But there were also fond memories and stories of friends and occasions that reflected her positive attitude and faith. In 1946, Fern and Elmer Johnson were married at her family home northeast of De Smet, SD. Four children were born to them over the next 16 years: Darryl, Wayne, Karen, and Lowell. Elmer and Fern started life together farming near Iroquios, but transitioned to home remodeling and construction in the mid '50s. They owned and operated the Erwin Lumber Company from 1957-1965 and the De Smet Lumber Company from 1966-1978. In 1976, they moved from De Smet to Black Hawk, SD, continuing the construction business, only now more as a family effort, being joined by Darryl and Wayne. Elmer and Fern remained in the Rapid City vicinity, moving near Darryl's family in the Black Hills, southwest of Rapid City, in 1994. After Elmer's passing in 2003, Fern stayed in their final home until moving to the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls in 2012. Fern had multiple interests and hobbies, including quilting, gardening, and construction of children's "doll" furniture. She also worked in the offices of the lumber yards, and was known to carry a shovel in the car trunk just in case a lonely tree seedling needed a new home. Fern was baptized in the East Bethany Lutheran Church, east of Erwin, near the first family home. Over her lifetime, she also belonged to West Bethany Lutheran (rural Erwin), De Smet Lutheran, and South Canyon Lutheran (Rapid City). She was a member of many service and social organizations at these churches. Fern is survived by her children: Darryl (Leila) Johnson of Rapid City, Wayne (Debbie) Johnson of Piedmont, Karen (Steve) Andrisen of Sioux Falls, and Lowell (Cindy) Johnson of Sioux Falls. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Ronald (Lavonne) Bjordahl of De Smet and a step-brother, Jim (Connie) McKnight of Brookings. Other survivors include eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and Chi (Ia) and Long (Anjer) Yang of Minneapolis. Fern is preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sisters (Ruth Bowes and Verla McMasters), three brothers (Cecil, Wayne, and Delbert Bjordahl), and a step-sister (Jean Hoffer). As a special memorial, the family requests that those attending the funeral who have a quilt (of any size) made by Fern please bring it to the service for display, regardless of its current state. Fern wanted her creations to be used, so a well-worn comforter is an appropriate tribute to Fern's life. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 pm, Sunday, June 15 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home in Rapid City, with funeral services at 11 am Monday at South Canyon Lutheran Church in Rapid City with Rev. Bruce Thalacker officiating. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. The family also requests that any memorials be given to AseraCare Hospice, 4101 South Westport Ave., Suite B, Sioux Falls, SD 57106.