Noel Stanley Johnson

Noel Stanley Johnson, 76, of Aberdeen, SD, died Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at his home, with his loving family by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 409 3rd Avenue SE, Aberdeen, with Father Jonathan Venner officiating.

Presentation of the United States Flag will be conducted by the Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post #24 of Aberdeen. Interment will take place at a later date at Mount Hope Cemetery in Watertown, SD.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign his online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday, at the mortuary, with a Liturgical Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday.

Noel Stanley Johnson was born on June 18, 1937, to Stanley and Eleanor (Backhoff) Johnson in Watertown, SD. He spent his childhood years there and at the age of 17, joined the United States Army and served overseas in Korea. Following his Honorable Discharge, he worked in California at the Campbell's Soup Factory for about a year. Noel then returned to Watertown, where he began employment at St. Anne's Hospital. While working there, Noel met, and later married, Diane Kulesa on October 6, 1958. He began working at a VW dealership and the couple eventually relocated to Aberdeen in 1964. Noel was employed at Cal Goletz Motors doing VW repairs until the business closed. He then opened and managed his own business, Noel's VW Repair, doing VW repairs and spray coups for over 20 years. Following the closing of his business, Noel obtained his CDL and started driving bus for the Head Start Program until 2010, when he was forced to retire due to health issues. He continued to make Aberdeen his home until the time of his death.

Noel was a very caring, loving man. He loved his family, and his great grandkids could always brighten a bad day he may have been having. He enjoyed joking with others, talking about old times, watching some of his favorite shows on TV and tinkering around in his garage. Fishing was also a great passion of his. Above all, Noel loved spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by all family and friends whom he touched throughout his life.

Blessed to have shared Noel's life is his wife of 54 years, Diane Johnson of Aberdeen; his children: Tammy (Kelly) Aakre of Moorehead, MN, Tim (Tracy) Johnson of Rapid City, SD, Theresa (Scott) Jensen of Mina, SD, and Tom (Barbara) Johnson of Rapid City, SD; eleven grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; eight step grandchildren; and one brother, Neil (Betty) Johnson of Cleveland, OH.

Noel's parents; two brothers, Jim and Stan Johnson; and one sister, Dolly Bobbie preceded him in death.