Johnnie C. Propst, age 88, of Mitchell, SD died Saturday, April 18, 2009 at Firesteel Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday at Will Funeral Chapel with burial at the American Legion Cemetery with military rites. Visitation will be .

Johnnie Clarence Propst, son of John and Clara (Schnarr) Propst, was born May 23, 1920 at Brandt, SD. He was baptized at Highland Lutheran Church. Johnnie was one of six children, three brothers and two sisters. He lived with his parents on farms near Estelline and Goodwin, SD. Johnnie attended school through the 8th grade.

In January of 1942 Johnnie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served at Guadalcanal and the Invasion of Tarawa. He received two bronze stars and his division received two Presidential Citations which he was a sniper scout. He was honorably discharged from the service on November 16, 1945. He was united in marriage with Phyllis Marjorie Thompson on July 8, 1950. From this union three children were born, Eileen, John and June.

Johnnie returned to Clear Lake, SD where he farmed and worked various construction jobs. He was employed at Halloway Construction where they built bridges. Johnnie was also employed at Dakota Manufacturing until the age of 85 when he retired.

Johnnie was a member of the Latter Day Saints Church in Mitchell, SD and reaffirmed his faith by being baptized in the Mormon Church. As a member of the church he served as an elder, clerk and Sunday School teacher.

He was extremely gifted with his hands and enjoyed life, as a welder, painter, gardening, farming, hunting and fishing. Johnnie was also musically talented, at a young age he learned to play both the accordion and fiddle. He would play with his brothers at local halls and house parties and for his comrades during his military years. Above all Johnnie will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, he loved to tell a good joke and his caring gentle personality.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Phyllis Propst, Mitchell, SD; a son, John Propst and his friend Gwen, Mitchell, SD; a daughter, June (Mike) Jares, Aberdeen, SD; six grandchildren, Tyler (Sara) Jares, Summer (Travis) Gerry, Nikki (Anthony) Riggs, Dawn and Ariel Heinricks and Lexi Jares; six great grandchildren; son-in-law, Dean (Shelia) Heinricks, Wyoming; a sister, Delores (Orville) Magadanz, Watertown SD; in-laws, Ethel Propst, Alvin and Lorraine Hardie, Don and Judy Thompson, Virgil and Maynard Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Eileen; three brothers, Ralph, Harlan and Clifford; and a sister, Clarice.