Vandel Johnson, Senator Johnson's father, passes away

Kelo reported this morning that Senator Tim Johnson's father, Vandel Charles Johnson, passed away at his home in Michigan. He was 95.

Vandel Charles Johnson was a Naval officer in the Pacific during World War II.

He began his career as a teacher and coach at Centerville, and went on to be principal in Canton, and superintendent in Flandreau.

Van Johnson then became the dean of students at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, and retired in 1982 as chairman of the program for higher education administration at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held in South Dakota at a later date.

Senator Johnson said he was at his father's side when he died. His mother, Ruth Johnson, died in February at age 88.

Deepest sympathies and best wishes to Senator Johnson and his family at this time.