William "Bill" Jennings Johnson, 68, passed away on Sunday, May 12th at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

He was known mostly by "Bill," "Dad," "Honey," or "But, Daaaad." He was a devoted follower of Christ, wonderful husband, awesome dad and best grandpa ever.

Bill was born in Sioux Falls, SD to Jack and Donna Johnson. He grew up in Chamberlain, SD with his sister Nancy, mom, and dad. Eventually, they moved to Rapid City, SD and Bill graduated from Black Hills State University.

He held a black belt in the Bruce Lee Method of Jiujitsu and would be known to kick the tiles out of the ceiling of his dormitory, as he would describe, "just for fun!" He might have also taken those kicking skills home to the family furniture a few times while growing up, which would cause some heightened reactions from his parents. Bill met Suzie Reando when he was in college and they were married on March 8, 1980. He started his own business and wrote a book titled, "Money Talks" and was a very successful businessman throughout his career.

Their first child, Krista, was born in 1989. They felt it be best to wait about 5 years to have another child because their first one was a handful. Little did they know that their second child, Daniel, born in 1994, would be even more so of a handful. This may have prompted Bill to write a short book full of funny events that took place in the Johnson household throughout the years. Krista and Daniel would make sure to keep "dad" on his toes or would just be eager to hear a life lesson from the greatest dad of all time. Despite the funny events, Bill always showed up for the band concerts and track meets throughout the years to cheer on his kids.

Bill had a knack for jokes and puns. He could always cheer anyone up or make light of situations. He would always be the one to put others first, especially when it came time to choosing where dinner would be that night when he would let Suzie choose. He always seemed to know where they would end up but would give Suzie the benefit of the doubt. They would always be seen enjoying dinner together each night at different restaurants or having a lovely drive through the hills each weekend in their bright blue Jeep Rubicon.

Bill was an awesome grandpa as well. He always showed up to the orchestra concerts, birthdays and other events where he could cheer on his little loved ones.

He had a great love for God, his wife, children, grandchildren, always bettering his business, fishing, a good political conversation or just about life in general and telling the best jokes out there. He will be missed by all, but we must rejoice knowing he is with Jesus and we can find peace in knowing that he lived a life worth living.

Bill is survived by wife Suzie, son Daniel Johnson and devoted dog Ruger, daughter Krista Caldwell (Ryan Thorson and daughter Hailey) and grandchildren Kendall and Conley Caldwell; as well as Bill's sister Nancy (Hugh) Boyle, with their children, Thomas (Erin) Boyle and Jennifer Boyle.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother Donna and father Jack.

His Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be 2:00 pm Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home and burial of cremains will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home.