SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — To many, Tim Johnson was a fighter when it came to public service. His former state director, Sharon Boysen, would agree.
“Everybody liked Tim. There was nothing not to like,” Boysen said. “He would meet with mayors, county commissions, you name it, sheriffs. He met with everybody, and he listened well. And then we would come back, and he would know what to do with that information,” Boysen said.
But Johnson wouldn’t credit his success all on his own.
“Many times, people would come up to him at the state fair and say, ‘You did this for me.’ And he goes, ‘That’s great. Glad it worked out.’ And then he goes, ‘Sharon, you know, our staff did that,” Boysen said.
That’s because his role as a senator was just as important as his role as a supporter. Boysen described him as ‘the neighbor next door.’
“Tim went to staffers’ weddings, the funerals of their parents. Every old staffer would bring their children in to meet him,” Boysen said.
That’s exactly part of Brian and Sarah Jennings’ story. Both working for Johnson is where their family began.
Brian first started working for Johnson in 1997. He focused on agricultural issues. Sarah worked for Johnson in college and after graduation until 2000.
“To have him at our wedding was a source of pride for both of us, because we were very proud to work for Senator Johnson and then just to have him get to meet Cassidy and Dylan when they were born, put huge smiles on our faces,” Brian Jennings said.
“Even when Brian and I moved back to South Dakota, they made it a priority to keep in touch, to stay involved in our lives, to check in and to even find time out of their crazy, busy schedules to come meet both of our kids when they were itty-bitty babies,” Sarah Jennings said.
It’s made this farewell far from easy.
“It’s just so sad because we really have lost such an incredible leader for South Dakota and the impact he’s had on the state, but also on me, it’s been pretty amazing,” Sarah said.
“I’m just very happy that he’s resting in peace now,” Boysen said.
Flags across South Dakota remain at half-staff to honor Johnson’s life. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 18 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. KELOLAND News will have live stream coverage of the service.
