Rodger “Junior” M. Johnson, 72, of Hastings, Nebraska, formerly of Falls City, Nebraska, and Yankton, South Dakota, passed away at his home on Monday, March 10, 2026. Born July 17, 1953, in Bloomfield, Nebraska, he was the son of Mary Marie (McShannon) of Yankton and the late Rodger Johnson.
Junior grew up with strong family roots and a deep appreciation for hard work, values that shaped the course of his life. A 1971 graduate of Bloomfield High School, he carried with him the friendships, lessons, and character formed in his early years.
Junior spent more than 36 years working as a machine operator for Burlington Northern Railroad, a career that reflected his dedication, reliability, and steady presence. His coworkers knew him as someone who showed up, put in the work, and took pride in doing his job well. His long tenure with the railroad stands as a testament to his commitment and the respect he earned over the decades. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life—time with family, football games, and the comfort of familiar routines.
Family was at the center of Junior’s world. He is survived by his mother, Mary Marie; his children Michael (Elizabeth) Johnson of Firth, Nebraska, Corey Johnson of Festus, Missouri, and Nicole Welch of Hastings; and his grandchildren Logan Welch, Keegan Johnson, Makenna (Jason) Phillips, Reece Johnson, Deacon Pfohl, Kloey Johnson, and Paige Johnson. He also leaves behind his sister Barbara (the late Sam) Colvin of Hastings, his brothers Bill (Jennifer) Johnson of Sutton, Nebraska, and Rod (Tamme) Johnson of Almena, Kansas, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. His family remembers him as a man who loved deeply, supported generously, and found joy in being surrounded by those he cared for.
Junior’s interests reflected his down‑to‑earth nature and love of home. He enjoyed watching football—especially cheering for the Huskers and the Kansas City Chiefs—and relaxing with old westerns and game shows. These simple pleasures brought him comfort and connection, and they were part of the rhythm of a life lived with sincerity and heart. He was preceded in death by his father and by his wife, Sarah Johnson, whose memory remained close to him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. at Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in the hospitality building in Yankton, South Dakota, with inurnment immediately following at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Yankton. His family and friends will gather to honor a man who worked hard, loved his family, and lived with quiet strength. Junior’s legacy lives on in the people who knew him, loved him, and will carry his memory forward.