Johnnie Von Eye was born August 14, 1934 to Gerritt and Katie (Plooster) Von Eye near Platte, South Dakota. In 1939, his parents moved the family to Jerauld County, later moving to Buffalo County where they established their homestead.
Johnnie served in the Army for two years, from November 1953 to November of 1955 with 18 months of his service spent in Japan.
Johnnie and Lilia were married February 12, 1956 in Wessington Springs, South Dakota. They moved to the farm in Buffalo County where they raised cattle and farmed. Four sons were blessed to this marriage, Jackie, Gary, Terry and Roger. Johnnie and Lilia farmed and ranched together, (along with the boys), raising cattle, pigs and sheep as well as farming crops for the feed for the livestock.
In 2005, they bought a home in Wessington Springs and split their time between the home in town and the country home. In January 2011, Johnnie lost his beloved Lilia. He continued to farm and ranch until he moved into the house in town to retire from the farm in 2014.
Grateful for sharing his life, he is survived by his four sons: Jackie (Nancy) of Box Elder, SD, Gary (Dianne) of Wessington Springs, SD, Terry (Janice) of Miller, SD, and Roger (Kelly) of Miller, SD; ten grandchildren: Benjamin (Ashley) Von Eye, Nichole (Kurt) Buchholz, Adam (Sara) Von Eye, Tate (Jenna) Von Eye, Tonya (Spencer) Schenk, Jesse (Rosali) Von Eye, Jeff (Sheila) Von Eye, Rebecca (Chase) Mackey, Levi (Jade) Von Eye, Coleton Von Eye; 24 great grandchildren and special friend Shirley Bender.
Preceding him in death are his wife, Lilia; his parents Gerritt and Katie, brothers Barney (Evelyn) Von Eye, Leonard (Deanna) Von Eye, Fester (Elva) Von Eye, Gerritt (Elizabeth) Von Eye, Arnold (Marie) Von Eye, Henry and half-brother John (Jabena) Keegal; sisters Jenny (Herman) Knutson, Henrietta (Ralph) Doering and half-sister Elizabeth (Martin) Koopal.
