Suzanne Johnson, age 81, died on January 20, 2023, at Prairie Lakes Hospital following a short illness. During her illness she reminded her family that she was not alone "God was with her" and he welcomed her to come home. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Geise Funeral Chapel in Lake Norden, SD. A Graveside Service will be held following the Funeral Service out at the West Norden Cemetery.

Suzanne was born July 14, 1941, in Lake Norden, South Dakota.  Her parents were Alfred and Pearl Antijunti. She was the middle sister between big sister, Donna Stee and younger brother Bruce Antijunti.

Suzanne lived her entire life in Hayti, South Dakota, graduating from Hayti High School.  In 1961, she married James (Jim) E. Johnson.  They welcomed five children into the world: Scott Zweig, Tawnya, Todd, Scott and Suelynn.  While raising the children she worked various jobs in the school food service and as the Hayti Town Clerk.

In the early 1960's, she became employed as the secretary for the Hamlin County Extension Service.  She knew the office atmosphere was set by the secretary as they are the face of the office with both customers and officials.

Suanne excelled in welcoming customers with a cheerful greeting, respectfully answering their questions and directing them to the appropriate staff person.  In the 1960s and 1970s, before the internet and computers were developed to assist the clerical staff, it was Suzanne's job to translate handwriting, correct grammar, and misspellings, from handwritten documents from the office staff of three.  The electric typewriter was her best friend, and the mimeograph machine (both antique machines today) was her Achilles heel.  She was a master in her role of secretary to the County Extension Office.

In 1964, June James was hired as the Hamlin County Home Economist.  June and Suzanne both had young children and became steadfast friends.  That friendship has continued to this day.  Suzanne and June celebrated many birthdays together even after both had retired. She also became close friends with Gertrude Fritz who worked in the Assessor's office and Nona Amerson from the State Attorney'

Office. The four women celebrated birthdays with lunch and cards until the were not able to meet any longer. These 4 women also were the first to start dressing in slacks in a world where dresses were the attire for women.  This tradition began at the Courthouse Christmas Party where the four women colluded to wear pantsuits.

Suzanne retired from her final position with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Her primary location was Watertown, but she also worked at offices in Hayti and Millbank as a Driver's License Examiner.  She was with the DMV for 13 years.

Her family fondly remembers her love of exotic birds.  James said over her lifetime, Suzanne raised and cared for over 100 birds.  At her death she still had a McCaw, Cockatoo, and Quaker parrot.

Preceding Suzanne in death were her parents, Alfred & Pearl Antijunti, her stepfather, Boxer, her daughter Tawnya Crocker, son Scott Johnson, sister Donna Stee and brother Bruce Antijunti.

She is survived by her loving husband Jim, son Todd (Becky Santee), daughter Suelynn (Allen) Strait and many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.