Ronnie's service will be live streamed through Clausen Funeral Home & Cremation Services facebook page.

Ronnie Lee Johnson, age 71, of Burke, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2025. He was born on July 11, 1954, in Burke, SD, to Raymond and Dorothy (Benter) Johnson, the oldest of their four children.

Ronnie grew up in Burke and attended Burke School through the 11th grade. Ronnie earned his nick-name "Pox" in high school, a name that some only knew him by. In 1973, Ronnie began working at Les' Texaco, then went to work at the Gregory County Highway Department for a short time and then worked for Leibel & Bauld Construction.  Ronnie later went back to work for the Gregory County Highway Department which became a very dedicated 28-year career.  Ronnie retired in April of 2011. Retirement, however, didn't suit him for long. Ronnie went on to work for the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, partnered with Keith Tipton in their Eager Beaver Construction venture, and later drove truck for Wade Swan—continuing to work right up until his passing. Ronnie often said he would work "until he couldn't," and he lived true to those words.

On June 23, 1973, Ronnie married the love of his life, Julie Bauld. Together they built a beautiful, fun-filled life, and raised two daughters, Mindie Jo, born in 1973 and Tina Marie, born in 1976. Their partnership was one filled with adventure, laughter, and countless memories. Ronnie and Julie transitioned from horses to Harleys when they purchased their first Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and from that moment on, many of their best memories were made on the open road. Along with their many friend-groups, they took countless motorcycle trips, enjoyed side-by-side rides, and in recent years shared winters together in Arizona—soaking up sunshine, friendship, and the freedom of the trails.

Ronnie also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting. He spent every November trying to find that big buck.  Ronnie shot his first deer, a big buck, as a young man. He spent many pheasant seasons helping guide hunters with Tiny and Kathy Sachtjen, something he truly enjoyed. For 20 years, Ronnie took great pride in caring for the grounds at the Burke Riding Club arena, always making sure the arena was perfect for the annual Burke Stampede Rodeo.

Ronnie was a man of few words, much like his father, but when something sparked his interest, he could talk with his wit and enthusiasm. His quiet strength, steadfast work ethic, and quiet heart were evident to all who knew him.  He could make anyone laugh even when he wasn't trying.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy; his brother, Rodney; his in-laws, Clinton and Elvera Bauld; and his brother-in-law, Neal Inglett.

He is survived by his wife, Julie; his daughters Mindie (Craig) Wischmann and Tina (Kiley) Schonebaum, all of Burke, SD; his grandchildren, Levi Schonebaum of Burke, SD, Madison (Trey) Wierdsma of Sioux Falls, SD, Bobbi Jo Wischmann of Brookings, SD, and Lainee (Tucker) Even of Burke, SD; and his great-grandson Thane Joseph Even. He is also survived by his siblings Randy (Sheila Shutt) Johnson of Tyndall, SD, and Rick (Pam) Johnson of Burke, SD; his brothers-in-law David (Berniece) Bauld of Herrick, SD and Doug (Janet) Bauld of Burke, SD; his sisters-in-law Cheryl Inglett of Burke, SD and Nancy (Mark) Benter of Burke, SD; along with numerous extended family members and many cherished friends.

Ronnie was truly one-of-a-kind. His presence, humor, dependability, and quiet love will be deeply missed by the countless people whose lives he touched.

Memorial services for Ronnie Johnson, age 71, of Burke, SD will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at the Civic Center in Burke.  There will be a prayer service on Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the Civic Center.  Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the Civic Center.