Wendell George Johnson

November 13, 1951 – May 17, 2026

Honoring the life of an unforgettable man.

Wendell flinging himself, spread eagle style, off the side of a boat with all the abandon of a kid on opening day at the city pool during summer vacation is how many people will remember him. To say that Wendell Johnson was a character would be a downright understatement. His colorful life was punctuated by thrilling wilderness adventures against magnificent landscapes, laughter and friendship at church potlucks, around campfires, and in cozy living rooms, but also in quiet contemplation of mysteries while he tinkered in his shop. He is loved by many who will miss him as a complex, often contrary man, but also as a curious explorer and visionary who lived unapologetically in his pursuit of adventure and knowledge. He approached every aspect of his life with that same summer vacation energy.

Wendell was born on November 13th, 1951, to Ogee and Phyllis Johnson, in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. He grew up on the family farm with his parents and older siblings Kathleen and Ross. Wendell loved to tell stories about his childhood, and some of his favorite memories included his antics on the farm and spending time with schoolmates at Sunshine Bible Academy. He always brought his sense of adventure into every new setting. Wendell met MaryAnn Borns in Vermillion while he was a student at the University of South Dakota, and the two married in July of 1976. In 1981 they welcomed their first daughter Georgeann, and in 1984 they welcomed their second daughter Lexie.

An avid outdoorsman, Wendell spent his free time hunting, fishing, camping, and doing every possible thing outside. His love of the wilderness has always been centered in profound respect for the natural world and a desire to leave the space he occupied a better place for all to enjoy. Georgeann and Lexie spent most of their childhood outdoors learning to haul firewood, swim in creeks, catch fish, hunt, and enjoy nature. Wendell and MaryAnn always made family time outdoors a great adventure and created memories to last a lifetime. Wendell was a dedicated educator in Wyoming and South Dakota who inspired his children and grandchildren to pursue higher education after they watched him earn his teaching degree at the age of fifty from Black Hills State University. He was overjoyed to see his daughter Georgeann graduate from his alma mater, daughter Lexie graduate from Kansas City Art Institute, and grandchildren attend the University of South Dakota and Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design.

Wendell is survived by his daughters Georgeann Van Delist (Walt Dansby III) of Jackson, Missouri, and Lexie Millikan (Darron) of Marion, Kentucky, three grandchildren, Dylan, Percy, and Alexis, and his sister Kathleen Hass (Merrill) of Wessington, South Dakota, and Ross Johnson (Ginger) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, nieces and nephews, and many friends and special loved ones. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial donations honoring Wendell’s life can be made to Black Hills State University, University of South Dakota, Kansas City Art Institute, or Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design.