On September 6, 2023, at the age of 97½ amazing years, Frances (Fran, Granny Franny) Joan Johnson was called to her heavenly home, a place she awaited with great anticipation.
Mom was born on February 17, 1926, to Frank and Mamie Hinderks in Aberdeen, SD. She attended and graduated from high school in Columbia, SD, moving directly to her first teaching job in a country school in McIntosh at age 17. She married her best friend’s older brother, Boyd Johnson, on June 3 of 1947 in Hecla, SD. It wasn’t until Mom was 42 and raising 7 children that she returned to Black Hills State College to finish her teaching degree. She taught in the Meade school district until her retirement. She loved children and always said that her favorites were the naughty little boys. Her children gave her plenty of practice! Mom and Dad celebrated 70 years of marriage before Dad passed in November of 2017.
Mom was a gentle soul, a prayer warrior for her family, a master bridge and duplicate player, a beautiful hand quilter, and a humble servant for her church. She made the baptism bibs for countless babies, washed and ironed the linens and albs for 22 years, and sewed banners and table runners that are still used at St. Francis of Assisi in Sturgis. Mom was also an amazing example of what it means to carry one’s cross and follow Christ. Her faith will be her most cherished legacy.
Fran was preceded in death by her husband, Boyd, her parents and siblings, her oldest daughter Ann Gleason and her husband, Chuck, and her son, Robert (Robby, Bob) Johnson. She is survived by 5 remaining children; Jerry (Randa) Johnson, Rapid City, SD, Nate (Cheryl) Johnson, San Manuel, AZ, Joan (Chuck) Mutchler, Spearfish, SD, Patty (Chuck) Dennis, Plymouth, MN, and Bill (Tracy) Johnson, Tuolumne, CA. In addition, Dee Johnson (wife of deceased son, Bob), Gillette, WY, her 15 grandchildren and her beautiful great grandchildren were blessed to have her for so many years.
The family would like to thank the special caregivers who loved and cared for mom these past 4 years at Spearfish Canyon Healthcare. God truly placed many angels in her journey here on earth and we are so grateful to you!
Visitation will take place at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD, on Wednesday, September 13th, from 4-6 p.m. The Vigil will begin at 6:00, followed by the rosary for those who wish to stay. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis, SD, on Thursday, September 14th at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please share your time and love with an elderly person. Memorials can be made to the Sturgis Kiwanis Food Pantry if desired.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
