Steve Johnson

Steven Willis Johnson was born to Willis and Lorraine (Berkeland) Johnson on April 27, 1961 in Pipestone, MN where he was raised. On June 18, 1961, he was baptized at the First Lutheran Church in Pipestone. He attended school in Pipestone, graduating from Pipestone High School in 1979. He then attended Willmar Area VoTec and took business classes there. In 1984, he moved back home to be with his mother after his dad passed away. On July 20, 1991, he was united in marriage to Cecilia “Ceedy” Baumberger at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, SD. Steve worked for Bosshart Brokerage Food Services of America and then Sysco where he worked for 25 years, six months and eight days, he kept track! Steve worked in the food industry since he was 16. Food was his life! He was known as “The Food Man”, family and friends would call him and ask how do you cook this, etc. and he would know! He retired on August 20, 2021. He was admitted to the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD and died there on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the age of 60 years, seven months and 23 days.

Steve was a member of St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. He joined the Catholic Church and was confirmed on April 11, 1998. He was a good and faithful servant; serving as a sacristan for many years. He was a member of St. Leo’s Cemetery Committee and joined the Knights of Columbus on November 12, 2000 (member 21 years). At the time of his death he was Grand Knight of St. Leo’s Council 1613. Steve loved the Bible passage Matthew 15:32-38 which was the story of Jesus feeding the thousands with seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. He always said that was a bit how it felt preparing and serving the St. Leo fish fries. He loved the challenge of feeding the many people who came. Golfing was a much-loved pastime of Steve’s as he golfed for over 30 years with his best friend, Todd Morgan. He would be thrilled to know his Ship Captain Crew buddies will never get another dime out of him. He appreciated his "Bitch Buddies," the guys who would talk him back from the edge when the days were tough, and they appreciated when he returned the favor. Steve had a certain bounce in his step, was a hard worker and was always there for anyone, 24/7. He enjoyed mowing out at the cemetery and the camaraderie afterwards and always wondering whose turn it was! He loved putzing around the house and yard. Time spent on the deck with his little June Bugs (the little girls next door) was treasured. He would always share his love of cooking and loved feeding his families. He loved playing with his grandkids, making forts out of cardboard boxes, and painting rocks to make and play “Angry Birds.”

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Ceedy Johnson of Pipestone; son, Matt (Kellie) Taylor of Flandreau, SD; three grandchildren, Nathan and Levi Taylor of St. Paul, MN and Cole Taylor of Flandreau; four sisters-in-law, Bea Baumberger of Sioux Falls, SD, Vonnie Baumberger of Dell Rapids, SD, Rosee Baumberger/Deiss of White River, SD, and Lala (Verne) Baumberger/Felton of Cheyenne, WY, four brothers-in-law, David (Marcia) Baumberger of Ankeny, IA, Dan Baumberger of Colton, SD, Tim (Pat) Baumberger of Colton, SD and Roger (Janet) Baumberger of Arrada, CO; and one brother, Jeff (Carol) Johnson of Jasper, MN; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents; his mother and father-in-law,Catherine and Marcus Baumberger; two brothers-in-law, Mike Baumberger and Geno Baumberger; one sister-in-law, Ginny Baumberger.