Leon Johnson, 71, of Sioux Falls, SD, died Thursday, September 2, 2021, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, September 6, at the Methodist Church in White Lake, SD. Burial will be at White Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Sunday, at the Methodist Church in White Lake. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Leon Wayne Johnson was born December 1, 1949 to John and Peggy (Knigge) Johnson in Mitchell, SD. On July 5, 1991, Leon was united in marriage to Bonnie Haugse in Sioux Falls.
Leon drove truck (long haul) from 1974-2019. Over the years he owned various trucking businesses. He was hard-working and instilled this trait in his daughters.
Leon’s pride and joy was his family. He was always the first to be rolling on the floor with grandkids or participating in a water fight. Leon enjoyed attending all of his grandkids’ events, especially sports; he’d show up early and stay late. He loved the 4th of July, and helping all of the younger and older kids alike light up the night sky. Bean bag tournaments were a staple of family get-togethers and he reveled in being a frequent champion (maybe we weren’t very good competition!)
Leon was an avid NASCAR fan – we remember watching races with him when we were little and watched his final race in the hospital together. He even traveled to two Daytona 500’s, flying to one, but he swore he wouldn’t do that again – he wasn’t in control. Leon enjoyed going to the shop, hanging out with friends, and playing cards. He loved to debate politics, especially with Delana. Leon was very quick-witted and loved a good laugh.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughters, Noel (Chris) Sackett, Sabrina (Duane) Duncan, Delana (Chad) Danielson, Kristina Jungwirth, and Nicole Gallagher; ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Leon is preceded in death by his first wife, Joan (Thompson) Johnson, parents, and brother, David Johnson.