Alan M. Johnson

Al was born on February 2, 1950 in Watertown, South Dakota; the son of Alvin and Vera (Smith) Johnson. He graduated from Hazel High School in 1968 in spite of missing several months to help on the farm when his father was injured in a farm accident.

On June 13, 1970, he married Sandy Seppanen in Watertown, SD. The couple moved to Aberdeen, SD where he attended Northern State College. Six months after they were married, Al was drafted for the Vietnam War, but thankfully did not pass his physical. He knew how fortunate he was, always thanking a veteran for their service and displaying a flag wherever he lived.

In 1973, they moved back to Naples, SD to farm with his father. He enjoyed the horses, cattle, and there was always a dog as part of the family. He farmed until 1984 when they moved to an acreage 8 miles south of Watertown. Al took a Dale Carnegie class at that time and his good friend Mick Stanton, gave him a job selling real estate. In the late 1980's he purchased The Windshield Doctor business and enjoyed repairing windshields until they moved to Peoria, Arizona in 2002. He purchased a vending route there where his son Travis helped him; then they owned Toy Junkies, an off-road vehicle business.

Al loved his family more than anything else. In South Dakota, they enjoyed riding horses, hunting, and outdoor activities. Some of his proudest moments were when both of his son's graduated from ASU. Throughout the years, the grandchildren were a source of joy and he was fortunate to live close to them.

Preceding him in death were his parents and siblings, Bea, Dick, and Lois. Al is survived by his wife Sandy, brother Don of Austin, sister Nyla of Watertown, sons Ryan (Kristen) and Travis (Valerie), and grandchildren Jake, Ella, Russell, Roger, and Zoe all of Tempe.

A celebration of life for Alan will be held Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 4:00 PM at Lakeshore Mortuary, 1815 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202.

There will also be a celebration held in Watertown, SD on July 22, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alan's memory may be made to Follow Your Heart Animal Rescue, https://www.followyourheartanimalrescue.org/donate or to a charity of your choice.