A funeral service to honor the life and legacy of Leon Johnson, age 77, of Okabena, will be held Wednesday, May 7th at 10:30 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Okabena. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Heron Lake, with full military honors provided by the Sievert-Peterson American Legion Post #608.

A visitation for Leon will be held on Tuesday, May 6th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Okabena. Visitation will continue Wednesday, May 7th at the church for one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM.

Leon Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 29th at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Leon Burell Johnson was born on April 26, 1948, in Gettysburg, South Dakota to the late Melvin and Martha (Ross) Johnson. Those who knew Leon knew that he could talk with anyone, was witty, spontaneous, and he was a great storyteller. He enjoyed a good time and was usually the life of the party. When the opportunity presented itself, Leon always enjoyed visiting with people, especially the farmers he served.

His family moved often throughout southwestern Minnesota and settled in the Balaton area where Leon attended high school. Leon then enlisted in the Army National Guard where he notably received a Marksmanship Medal during his service. He was a member of the Sievert-Peterson American Legion #608 of Okabena.

On September 18, 1971, Leon married his sweetheart, Ruth Ann Wichmann at Saint Peter's Lutheran Church in Balaton, and the ceremony was officiated by Ruth's grandfather. The couple was blessed with three children, Stefanie, Peter and Molly. Leon and Ruth lived in Okabena, Minnesota. Leon enjoyed time with his children and grandchildren and often travelled to watch their activities and sporting events.

Leon loved sales and always had a side hustle whether it was selling cars, farm data systems, or survival kits, to name a few. He worked for Harold Hussong in the feed grinding business which he later purchased and managed. When it came to grinding feed, his first concern was always that he made it to each site to make sure the cattle and hogs had their food. Leon also worked in the seed sales business. His mindset was always to help his clients, just like he wanted to help anyone who might be struggling. After retiring, Leon worked seasonally with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Lakefield because he enjoyed his connection to the local farmers.

Leon and Ruth owned thoroughbred horses and raced at Park Jefferson in Sioux City, Iowa and Canterbury (Downs) Park in Shakopee, Minnesota. He continued his love of horse racing long after owning his own. Major horse races were always family events. He was an avid hunter since he was a little boy, first learning to hunt with a sling shot before handling a rifle. Leon hunted ducks, geese, pheasants, coyotes and foxes. He enjoyed regular hunting trips, early on with his friends, dad, brothers, then with his wife and children, and eventually with his grandsons. Leon also enjoyed playing cards and loved listening to music, mostly 50's and 60's and country music.

Left to cherish Leon's memory are his wife of 53 years, Ruth Ann Johnson of Okabena; children, Stefanie (Jason) Schmidt of Brandon, SD, Peter (Shannon) Johnson of Valparaiso, IN, and Molly (Kris) Leopold of Valley Springs, SD; nine grandchildren, Jaden, Jaxon, Morgan (Nick), Ashley, Aidan, Tessa, Keaton, Payton, and Koyer; one brother, Eugene Johnson, Sr. of Milan, MN; two brothers-in-law, Lynn (Kim) Wichmann of Balaton, and Lowell (Peggy) Wichmann of Balaton; as well as other relatives and dear friends.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Martha Johnson, brother Gary Johnson, sister Lynnae Weaver, parents-in-law, Lawrence and Elenora Wichmann, and brother-in-law, Lyle Wichmann.

Blessed be the memory of Leon Burell Johnson.