Vandel Charles<br />Johnson, Ph.D.

Vandel Charles
Johnson, Ph.D. Born November 17, 1913 to Charles and Mattie Johnson, Vandel Charles Johnson died May 6, 2009 at the age of 95. He was a naval officer in the Pacific during World War II.  He began his career as a teacher and coach at Centerville and then principal at Canton.  Later he became superintendent at Flandreau, dean of students at The University of South Dakota, and chairman of the Department of Higher Education at Michigan State University, retiring in 1982.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife, Ruth Johnson.  He is survived by his daughter, Julie Ann (Steven) Spencer of Richmond, MI; sons, Dr. Thomas C. (Brenda) Johnson of  Yankton, and Sen. Timothy P. (Barbara) Johnson of Vermillion; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Ardis Dalbey of West Des Moines, IA, and Avis Butler of El Cerrito, CA. A memorial service will be held in South Dakota at a later date.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Scandia Lutheran Church, 251 Broadway, Centerville, SD 57014, or The University of South Dakota Tribute Foundation, P.O. Box 5555, Vermillion, SD, 57069.