Rodney Dean Johnson, 51, devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend passed away Friday, January 22, 2010.

Rodney was born on July 30, 1958 in Wessington Springs, South Dakota to Dale and Darleen (Miessner) Johnson. He grew up and attended school in Wessington Springs graduating from high school in 1976.

Rod loved children and children loved Rod. He loved all kids but had a special place in his heart for his daughter, Nicole and his many nieces and nephews. He was affectionately known as “Uncle Rod” by children who were related and many who were not.

Although he enjoyed many things in life, pool and classic cars were his two favorite hobbies. The close friends who shared his enjoyment of these activities was what made them special in his life.

Rod took great pride in his work as the service manager for Bozeman Plumbing and Heating and he especially enjoyed the comradery he had with the guys on the service team.

Those who knew Rod best will remember his kind heart, his fun loving youthful energy, his generosity, his quick sense of humor, and his strong desire to help anyone in need and even those not in need. Rod was a champion of fairness.

Although the pain felt with the loss of Rod is inexpressible, we know in our hearts that he has found equally inexpressible peace, grace and love in heaven.

Rod is survived by his wife, Kathleen of Belgrade, MT; his daughter, Nicole (Shawn) Larson of Billings, MT; father, Dale Johnson of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Pam (Rob) Lowe of Sioux Falls, SD; brothers, Lee (Jackie) Johnson of Wessington Springs, SD, Terry (Kathleen) Johnson of Des Moines, IA, and Jered Johnson and his fiancé, Marcie of Phoenix, AZ. In addition to his immediate family he is survived by his mother-in-law, Jayne Hanich, father-in-law, Herb (Jean) Hanich and brother-in-law, Greg (Meighan) Hanich all of Missoula, MT. Rod is also survived by many special friends including, Doug and Mary Nelson of Mitchell, SD and Jeff & Julie Busch of Belgrade, MT and his dog, Jack.

Rod was preceded in death by his mother, Darleen and brothers, Lyle and Steve Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Wednesday, January 27th at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman. There will also be a memorial service in held in Wessington Springs, SD on Saturday, January 30th at 2 pm at the United Church of Christ. Interment will take place in Wessington Springs.

Should friends desire memorials may be made to Reach Inc., 322 Gallatin Park Drive, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com