SIOUX FALLS , S.D. - Howard E. "Huck" Johnson, 90, of Sioux Falls, S.D., formerly of Grand Island, died Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Curran Funeral Chapel. The Rev. Donald A. Buhrman will officiate. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the U.S. Navy Honor Team.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with a vigil service at 7.
Howard was born to William and Carrie (Hansen) Johnson on Aug. 13, 1925, in Dannebrog. He received his education in Grand Island, graduating from Grand Island Senior High School in 1942. He entered into the U.s. Navy in 1942 during World War II. He married Geralda Buhrman on Sept. 9, 1950, at Grand Island. He was called to the Korean War, serving until his honorable discharge in 1953. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Grand Island for 33 years. In 1981, Howard moved to Sioux Falls, S.D. He found work at the Empire Mall for 16 years in maintenance and also with Sunshine Foods. He "officially retired" in his mid 80s.
Howard was a life member of the VFW and the Knights of Columbus as well as the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Platt-Duetsche Society, NAFF and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Howard was an avid Bingo player and enjoyed fishing. His favorite pastime was watching the Chicago Cubs and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Above all, he was a loving dad, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend to many and he will be greatly missed.
Howard is survived by his children and their spouses, Rick and Rachel Johnson of Duncan, Tim Johnson, Jennifer and Mike Redman, Patrice Schaeffer and Renae and Jorge Alarcon, all of Grand Island; and a brother, Ray Johnson of Grand Island.
Others left to cherish his memory include his 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Karen Johnson; and many more friends and family.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Todd Johnson; a half brother, Wayne V. Jorgensen; a sister-in-law, Jean Johnson; and special friend, Beverly Sheffield.
Memorials are directed to the Grand Island Hero Flight or Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.