SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — People are remembering the life of a longtime public servant in South Dakota and the country.
Former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson died last week from complications of a stroke.
From water projects to farming to military, Johnson impacted many causes during his time in public office.
Hundreds of people filled Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls to honor the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson.
Johnson, who served at the state and federal levels, never lost an election.
His colleague in Congress, former U.S. Senator Tom Daschle, said Johnson navigated the nation’s capitol with grace, dignity, and a sense of humor.
Daschle also called him a “very special friend.”
“I can’t help but regret that since leaving the senate our paths have crossed far too rarely. We no longer had the daily contact we took for granted in those years we served in Congress together, and I take responsibility for that. And on a day like this I’m reminded of the extraordinary value of maintaining friendships, even when distance makes it more challenging,” Daschle said.
Family was central to Johnson’s life.
His sons spoke about who he was as a father and included some humorous stories like their father’s persistence for attending Sunday church.
“He had a rule. If you were too sick for church, you were too sick for TV. Pastor, I don’t know about that correlation, but it proved to be a powerful deterrent,” Tim Johnson’s son Brendan Johnson said.
“The Tim Johnson that I really want to remember here today is not the senator or the congressman, but the husband and father,” Tim Johnson’s son Brooks Johnson said.
Brooks Johnson says his father’s endless determination and work ethic carried over into his family life.
“There was never a break, never a time off, never too tired to be with his family, to let all of us know we were loved,” Brooks Johnson said.
Johnson touched countless lives.
“Tim supported, advised, listened, laughed, and mentored staffers, constituents, younger leaders, family and friends. He seemed to have time and energy for everyone of us, even when he was exhausted, even when he was stretched so thin,” Rev. Hope said.
“I’ve heard from so many of the tribal relatives friends we’ve had and what they’ve said is they’re leaving food out for your journey, I think you must’ve meant a lot of different people dad, and we love you,” Brendan Johnson said.
“We’ll miss you,” Brooks Johnson said.
