Barbara A. (Gustafson) Johnson was born on October 16, 1936 in Wilmot, SD to Arthur and Margaret (Franson) Gustafson. She grew up in Bristol, SD and graduated from Bristol Public School in 1954. Barb was confirmed and married in Bethesda Lutheran Church.
Barb married her high school sweetheart, Almon “Windy” Johnson on October 24, 1954. They lived in Corona, CA while Windy finished his tour in the U.S. Army. The couple moved to Webster, SD for a short time and then made their home in Watertown, SD. In 2024 Barb and Windy celebrated 70 years of marriage.
Barb was employed at First Federal Savings and Loan for 25 years. After retirement, she and Windy enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Barb was an avid reader. After losing her eye sight she found enjoyment listening to books on tape. She loved music, crocheting and knitting, playing games and caring for her plants.
She was a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Watertown.
Barb passed away at the Village of Harmony Hill in Watertown, SD on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the age of 89. She will forever live in our hearts.
Barb is survived by her children, Wendy (Matt) Olson, Kirk Johnson both of Watertown, SD and Kevin Johnson of Puerto Vallarta, MX; four grandchildren, Nathan, Andy, Kody and Teena; two great-granddaughters, Alyssa and Kaylie; as well as several cousins and many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Windy; her parents, Arthur and Margaret Gustafson; and infant grandson, Tyler.
Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday July 16, 2026 at the Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown. Visitation will be prior to the service starting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. Interment will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.
The family requests that memorials be directed to either of the following organizations – Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired in Pierre, SD or Feeding South Dakota.
Arrangements by Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel, www.wightandcomes.com.