John Richard Brewer, better known as “Johnny” by his family and friends, was born January 9, 1945 in Gregory, South Dakota. Johnny was the third of six children born to John and Edna (Karel) Brewer. He was very active in high school and lettered in many sports, participated in the school newspaper/annual, and was chosen twice to be class president and once for carnival royalty.

On June 18th, 1966, John was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Jessie Mae. To this union six children were born: Terry Brewer, Leah (Bryan) Spiel, Wesley (Julie) Brewer, Lacy (Carrie) Brewer, Charles (Lindsey) Brewer, and Aaron (Ashley) Brewer.

For the majority of Johnny’s life he was self-employed in the postal business, but not really self-employed, as he always included family in his business ventures. Johnny enjoyed spending quality time with family, dancing with Jessie Mae, being outside, and fishing. He loved and cherished family time. Johnny taught his children by example on how to work hard, be humble, and display kindness to others (many, many times he would put others ahead of himself and would give the shirt off his back for those in need) and to always remember not to stress about life because it will always work out.

As the years went by Johnny was blessed with fourteen grandchildren: Shawnelle, Heather, Amanda, John, Chase, Travis, Dayton, Seth, Brienna, Miranda, Garrett, Charleigh, Jet, Lainee and Colt and nine great-grandchildren: Micheal, Alexis, Hailey, Makayla, Tylie, Jase, Casen, Zoey and Ryder. He had a special relationship with each and every one of them. He did not make a visit without a treat of some sort (candy, coloring books, special prizes, etc….) He enjoyed attending their events and hanging out with them as often as he could. One of his great-grandchildren referred to great-grandpa as the “Great One”… which he was!

Survivors include his six children: Terry Brewer of Pierre, Leah (Bryan) Spiel of Parade, SD, Wes (Julie) Brewer of Rapid City, Lacy (Carrie) Brewer of Rapid City, Charles (Lindsey) Brewer of Wessington, SD, and Aaron (Ashley) Brewer of Hayes; his grandchildren: Shawnelle, Heather, Amanda, John, Chase, Travis, Dayton, Seth, Brienna, Miranda, Garrett, Charleigh, Jet, Lainee, and Colt; his great-grandchildren: Michael, Alexis, Hailey, Makayla, Tylie, Jase, Casen, Zoey, and Ryder; one brother Leon (Joann) Brewer of Rapid City; three sisters: Jane (Floyd) Iwan of White River, Karen (Willis) Venekamp of Piedmont, and Judy Kinsella of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Johnny was preceded in death by his loving wife Jessie Mae on January 15, 2018, his parents John and Edna, and one brother Leo.

Johnny will be remembered for being loving, humble, kind, and generous along with being a devoted husband and family man. He will be greatly missed and never forgotten by many.



Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland with Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment will be at the Midland Cemetery.