SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota – Former U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson , D-S.D., has died at the age of 77, his family announced in a Wednesday morning press release.
Johnson passed away Tuesday evening surrounded by family, following complications from a recent stroke, the release said.
“As a fourth generation South Dakotan, fighting for the state he loved was the greatest privilege of his life, but he considered his family his greatest blessing,” his family said in the statement. “Watching his three children and eight grandchildren grow and thrive with Barbara, his wife of 55 years, at his side brought him immense pride and joy.”
A release from the office of South Dakota Republican Gov. Kristi Noem declared that flags would be flown at half-staff statewide until Johnson’s interment.
“I worked with Tim Johnson and appreciated that his heart was for the people of South Dakota. He was a true servant,” Noem said. “On behalf of the State of South Dakota, our prayers go out to his entire family.”