Johnnie W. Propst Jr., age 66 of Mitchell, died Thursday, October 31, 2019 at University of Minnesota Medical Center – East Bank in Minneapolis, MN. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 9, 2019 at Will Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 AM to time of service. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Johnnie Wayne Propst was born September 20, 1953 at Clear Lake, SD to Johnnie and Phyllis (Thompson) Propst.  He spent his early years on the family farm and attending country school.  He attended school in Mitchell, grade and high school along with classes at Vo Tech.  He was employed doing construction work and with Fisher Sand and Gravel, along with various other jobs until his health declined.

On November 25, 1978 he married Delores Ann Cox in Mitchell. They were very blessed with a daughter, Nikki Ranae Propst, June 11, 1980.  Nikki was the light of her dad's life. He was always there with a waiting smile, hug, encouragement and words of wisdom.  Nikki married Anthony Riggs on September 11 ^th , 1999.  They have 3 children, Payton, Nathan and Aiden.  John was a very active grandpa.  He attended all of their school events and sporting events before he became ill.  He enjoyed having them spend the night, taking them fishing, swimming, for a ride on his motorcycle and giving them new experiences.

He liked fishing and hunting with his dad and friends. One of his greatest passions was being able to ride his motorcycle.   He loved spending time with family, the reunions and holiday gatherings.  He missed not being to travel to see all of his relatives and friends.

John was known for his kindness and was a care taker at heart. He took care of his parents and his fiance at the end of their lives. He was a good son and loving brother. He will be remembered for his smile and generous soul, he was always thinking of others.

On January 18 ^th , 2019 John decided to take on another battle in his life, bilateral lung transplant. His wish was to be able to spend time with his family and to have some quality of life.  It was a difficult journey but one that he took on everyday; he was courageous until the very end. October 31, 2019 after a lot of prayers and medical information a decision was made that it was time to send John home to his loving Heavenly Father and family. It was peaceful death surrounded by Nikki, Anthony, grandchildren and sister June and her husband, Mike.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his daughter Nikki (Anthony) Riggs, grandchildren Payton, Nathan & Aiden. Sister; June (Mike) Jares. Nieces; Summer (Travis) Gerry, Dawn (Nat) Eckhoff, Ariel Skalla and Lexi (Matt) Erickson. Nephew; Tyler (Sara) Jares and Brother-in-law Dean (Sheila) Heinrichs. Aunt; Esther Thompson, uncles; Maynard Thompson, Don (Trudy) Thompson and Alvin (Kay) Hardie; and dog, Buggs. He will also be missed by so many relatives and friends who have been sending their prayers to John over the course of the past 10 months.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Phyllis Propst.  His sister Eileen Heinrichs.  His partner and fiancé Kimberly Payton.