Andrew Johnson Obituary

Andrew (AJ) Craig Johnson was born to Steven Craig Johnson and Linda Sue Reed Johnson on October 20th, 1992, joining the family with siblings Emily Jeannine Johnson and Michael Walter Johnson to complete the unit. Andrew started life as a true fighter with a gentle spirit, some may say he was too gentle and kind for this world. His fighting start to life occurred at 18 months old when he fought a nasty infection in his hip. He was in the hospital for many weeks and in true Johnson fashion, his tenacity and strength pulled him through. Later in childhood he ran into another health issue resulting ultimately in his diabetes diagnosis at the age of 8. You would think this would slow down a child and make him hate the world; Quite the contrary he took this setback head on with little to no self-pity. This was not easy for our family to adjust to, but together we made sure his health was top priority.
Throughout the years, Andrew enjoyed soccer and golf. Andrew's mom, Linda Johnson, recalls a soccer game in Greenwich Township, NJ. It was a cloudy and rainy day out on the fields. The game was tied in overtime and the little souls playing on the field were tiring. The ball was kicked to Andrew, leading down the offensive line and these little players were ready to shut this down! Little did anyone know Andrew was left-handed. No one could have predicted that when the defensive line little players went right, Andrew would move left, bypassing all the defense and kicking in the winning goal for the team. Screams of "Yay Andrew!" echoed throughout the field. Again, this demonstrates just how strong this little boy, later man, truly was.
Andrew enjoyed academics and golf throughout his high school career in Sioux Falls, SD. He truly excelled at most anything he set his mind and body to. He later graduated with a high GPA and moved on to USD Vermillion for College. He majored in Finance and moved on to work for some amazing organizations, most recently Malnove, where he is remembered fondly as a stellar colleague; someone whom people had full trust and respect for. His colleagues all admired Andrew for his intelligence, wit, and charm. Not exclusively, Andrew was always ready to help others and would be the first person to volunteer. He truly embodied the spirit of team-work in all aspects of life.
Andrew has a best friend in Zach Baltz. Their friendship started at USD Vermillion and continued through adult life. They shared common interests in heavy metal rock and retro rock music bands. They additionally bonded over their past time of collecting Pokémon cards, playing video games, yelling at the Falcons, and attending rock concerts, some of which led to events in the mosh pits. Some may recall an incident in a mosh pit where Andrew broke his femur in multiple places many years ago. Again this would not slow Andrew down or prevent him from continuing his passion for music and live band concerts. Andrew was an excellent drummer and enjoyed creating music with is bandmates. Who knows where this hobby may have taken Andrew later in life. He very well could have been the next John Bonham or Keith Moon. There was little that would stop Andrew from pursuing whatever he put his mind to. He also enjoyed Japanese anime; Just to mention a couple "Bleach" and "Cowboy Bebop" were among some of his favorite programs. As you read all of this, you can tell how expansive his interests were, from finance, to sports, to music and anime; There was nothing Andrew could not find to occupy his time.
Andrew (AJ) also had a passion for his animals (babies). Notably, Aela, his sweet cat companion. She was incredibly loved and well taken care of. It gives us all solace that in his last moments here he was home with Aela. It is not the animals we choose, but animals who choose us. She was his everything and would always bring her up in conversation as if she was just part of the family, which she was and will continue to be. As loud, crazy, dark, and boisterous at times Andrew could be in elation and rare extroverted occasions, he was always kind and sweet whenever speaking of Aela.
We want to remember Andrew for his smile, tenacity, charm, and gentle-hearted spirit. Some would say he was a "lone wolf"; someone who could really enjoy his time alone; but we also know he was someone who enjoyed life; who coveted his close-knit group of friends and family. He had a dark sense of humor that would leave people in stitches, but also a bit bewildered. It was said earlier this world may have not been made for someone like Andrew perhaps that is correct Andrew made this world a better place despite it. So many people struggle in this world, and Andrew was not alone in this. I would be remiss to say that if anyone is struggling in this world, you are not alone. Andrew was not alone. He had many people in his circle and on his side to help uplift and let him know he is loved and not taking on this world alone. He will forever be missed and thought fondly in memories we all hold close to our hearts.
Andrew (AJ) Craig Johnson is predeceased by his loving Grandfather, Walter Johnson; Grandmother, Jeannine Johnson; father, Steven Johnson; and Aunt Denise Milecki (Johnson). He is survived by his mother, Linda Johnson; brother, Michael Johnson; sister, Emily Johnson; and niece, Chloe Bolin. Additionally, Andrew is survived by his uncles, Scott Johnson, Stuart Johnson; aunts Stacie Hull Brent-Johnson, Carol McLaughlin (Johnson), and cousins, Sara Summy (Johnson), Phillip Johnson, Justin Johnson and Joshua Johnson. Additional surviving family members are Pat Mount, Jeff Summy, Katherine Johnson, Christopher Vasquez, his cat (baby) Aela, and many more.
A Celebration of Life for Andrew Johnson age 32 of Omaha, NE will be held at Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, June 21 from 1-3PM will to follow in the Colome Cemetery, Colome, SD.