Gregory M. Johnson
November 20, 1947 ~ October 11, 2025
Gregory “Greg” M. Johnson, 77, Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Brandon, SD, died Saturday, October 11, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family.
Join Greg’s family for a Celebration of Life Open House from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Heartland Funeral Home, in Brandon, SD. A Time of Sharing will be held at 6:00 p.m. To honor Greg’s memory, please wear any fine jewelry that you may have acquired from Greg, especially the pieces he custom made.
Gregory “Greg” Mark Johnson was born on November 20, 1947, to Leland and Marion (Jungk) Johnson in Sioux Falls, SD. In ‘58, the family moved to Brandon where Greg received his education. Greg married Gladys De Groot on May 22, 1971; to this union, daughter Joy and son Mark were born.
Greg’s 56-year career in the fine jewelry industry began at Zales Jewelers in the fall of 1969, while shopping for an engagement ring for Gladys. At Zales, Greg rose to regional manager with 18 stores throughout the Midwest. In ’82, Greg owned and operated Artcarved Jewelry, his first store, in Sioux Falls. In ‘87, Greg founded Johnson Jewelers in Brookings, SD; stores in Ames, IA and Madison, SD followed. Greg possessed a keen eye for fine diamonds and precious metals, and he knew his industry. Greg loved to guide his clients to find the perfect engagement ring, anniversary band, or other heirloom pieces to celebrate and memorialize life’s most important milestones and moments. Greg felt privileged to be a part of helping couples select their wedding rings. Greg’s bridal customers frequently became friends who invited him to their social events and weddings.
Greg was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing trips with neighbors and friends to Lake Athapapuskow in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Greg’s passion for pheasant hunting was nurtured by his favorite great uncle Rudy Offt, who took him and brother Matt hunting every fall when they were children. Greg looked forward to and never missed a year of pheasant hunting at a farm in Howard, SD. Greg was happiest wearing blaze orange with a shotgun in hand. We take comfort knowing Greg is walking the fields in heaven with his dogs Pal, Queenie, and Bojangles.
Family traditions and holidays were very important to Greg, especially Christmas. Greg artfully trimmed his stores for the holidays and his flare for decorating carried over to his home with an abundance of C-9 Christmas lights punctuating every pitch of the roof and weaved throughout the shrubs.
Greg lovingly cared for any critter that visited or called his yard home. He fed birds of all types, squirrels, rabbits, and deer. Greg was especially proud of a rare albino robin that nested in his apple trees for many years. Weekly errands included a stop at the grain elevator to pick up bags of cracked corn for the deer.
Left to cherish Greg’s memory are his wife, Sandy; daughter, Joy Johnson, Esq. (Reed Dill, D.D.S.), Zimmerman, MN; son, Mark (Margaret) Johnson, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Claire, Hannah and Ava Johnson; stepchildren, Hannah Herman, Minneapolis, MN, and Eugene Nelms, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; brother, Gary (Marlene) Matthew Johnson, Scottsdale, AZ; and numerous other family and friends.
Greg’s parents and former wife, Gladys De Groot-Johnson preceded him to eternity.
Rest in Peace Greg! I knew your mother & father, brother, wife Gladys. I attended your wedding to Gladys; you included me and my brother in your wedding. I was a younger kid from Brandon, but I always appreciated being included when we uncapped the headers on that 1967 Chevy Chevelle and taking it out north of Brandon and Corson to burn some rubber, Fly High My Friend!
I opened the Madison Johnson Jewelers with Greg. He taught me so much! I had a lot of great times working with Greg for many years. He was the owner, but he always told everyone it was my store 🥹 He was much more than a boss, he was a sweet friend. I loved hearing all of his stories about his numerous trips to Alaska! And about his many diamond buying trips! He also talked about his kids with so much pride. He was a class act and always so dapper in his suits! Love you, Greg ❤️ I will always remember you with love and kindness. Rest in peace sweet friend.
With deep regards to Greg’s family on their loss. Greg was always in a joyful spirit while we spent countless hours over coffee solving the world’s problems at his jewelry shop in Madison. He loved his dog, Bo, who became a fast friend knowing a biscuit was coming his way and we would go out for a walk.
Greg’s effervescent smile was contagious upon everyone who entered the shop. His compassion to help a young couple find the right ring was matched by his generosity ensuring it was affordable for them.
Greg was always professional and kind to everyone who crossed his path.
May Greg rest in peace.
I was always treated with kindness, concern, and support from Greg over the years. I have fond memories of our many business dealings and hunting trips together as well. May the family take comfort, knowing that Greg is wrapped in God‘s love and is in eternal peace. May God continue to bless the Johnson family, and all of those that were fortunate enough to be a part of Greg’s life. He will be greatly missed.
I was a customer in Madison but he made you feel like a friend.