Earl Wilbur Johnson
October 3, 1936 ~ November 29, 2022
Earl W. Johnson, age 86, of Sioux Falls, died unexpectedly, on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at his home.
Visitation will be 9:30 – 11:00am, Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Linwood Wesleyan Church, (1101 E 57th St. Sioux Falls, SD) with Memorial Services beginning at 11:00am, followed by Military Honors. Inurnment will be at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls, at a later date.
Earl Wilbur Johnson was born October 3, 1936, in Sioux Falls, SD, and was soon adopted by Emil and Anna Johnson of Alcester, SD. He grew up on a farm near Alcester. He attended Ludwig rural school and graduated from Alcester High School. Earl grew up in the Big Springs Baptist Church, near Alcester. He joined the Air National Guard in 1954. He was employed full-time by the Air Guard for 37 years as an Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief until his retirement in 1991. He was Crew Chief on several types of Aircraft and went on deployments to many locations in the USA and worldwide. He was very fortunate to have worked with the Secret Service and the aircrews of Air Force One and Air Force Two on all Presidential and Vice-Presidential visits to Sioux Falls for 35 years.
Earl married his high school sweetheart, LaNiece Fickbohm, on October 9, 1956. They had two sons, Kevin and Darin. Earl and LaNiece helped plant Faith Baptist Fellowship in Sioux Falls where he served several years as board member and chairman. He was currently an active member of Linwood Wesleyan Church, in Sioux Falls. After his retirement, he kept busy with several rental properties and home remodeling projects. Since 1993, he has enjoyed spending the winters in Harlingen, TX. In June of 2017, they moved to the Dow Rummel Retirement Village, which they enjoyed very much.
Earl is survived by his wife of 66 years, LaNiece; their two sons, Kevin (Sandy) Johnson and Darin (Jacquelline) Johnson; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and six step-great-grandchildren.
Our sympathy to the Johnson family on the passing of Earl. May the Lord give His comfort.
Oh LaNiece, Greg and I are so sorry to hear about Earl. What a dear, sweet man! I always enjoyed chatting with you two at Linwood – both of you so loving and encouraging! Praying our Father will wrap you in His arms and carry you and your family through this very difficult time. Sending all our love and condolences,
Jacki and Greg Myers
Dear LaNiece,
I am so sorry for your loss. Earl was such a great and honorable man. We were chatting in church just last Sunday. I’m grateful for that, and I cherish my friendship with the two of you.
Liz V.
With much respect and sympathy. I was on the flight line with Earl in the 70s.
LaNiece and ALL family, thinking of you today
LaNiece and family, my deepest condolences.