Herman Edward Johnson Jr.

Herman E. Johnson, Jr. “Johnnie”, 86, of Sioux City, passed away unexpectedly at his home on May 8, 2020. 

                A private prayer service and graveside burial will take place Monday, May 11.  Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Funeral Home.

                Herman was born on November 22, 1933, in Goodwin, SD to Herman and Sigrid Johnson.  He attended Goodwin High School.  Upon graduation, Herman worked for the Coca-Cola Company in Watertown, SD before serving in the Korean War as a weapons mechanic for the 58^th Fighter Bomber Wing with the United States Air Force.  In 1957, he met and married Karen Ann Derochie.  The couple would have celebrated their 63^rd Wedding Anniversary on May 18.

After leaving the military, Herman worked for various meat packing plants, finally retiring from John Morrell as a plant supervisor on December 31, 2003.

Herman loved many things, but most of all his family.  He was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather.  Herman and Karen were inseparable.  He was the happiest at family gatherings surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.  He loved fishing, playing cribbage and was an avid Hawkeye and Vikings fan.  He was “that guy” that would give you the shirt off his back and was loved by everyone who knew him.

Herman and Karen were blessed with four children, Kimberly (Russ) Olson, Sgt. Bluff, IA, Stacey (Jeff) Pearson, McCook Lake, SD, Kirk (Pam) Johnson, Custer, SD, and Michelle (Tim) Schwebach, Sioux City; five grandchildren, Colton Pearson, Sarah Johnson, Alison Schwebach, Mollie Schwebach and Jake Schwebach; two step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Maliszewski and Greg (Amanda) Olson; and four step-great grandchildren.     

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Sigrid Johnson, three sisters and one brother.