Henry Johnson, 72, of Deadwood died on Sunday December 9, 2012 at his home.

Henry "Old Boreholer" Johnson was born on April 4, 1940 to Fred and Bessie (Adams) Johnson in Mott ND. He was raised in the Britton, SD area, attending school there. He joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17. After the service he opened a mechanic's shop at Mitchell, SD and worked as an equipment operator for Davison County for a time.

"Old Boreholer" moved to Deadwood in 1966 and went to work for Homestake Mining Company for the next 33 years until retiring. He married Patricia Hohn in Mitchell and they moved to the hills together. She passed away in 1969. He later married Mary Wieting , who passed away in 1994.

He is survived by his children, Clinton Thompson, David Thompson, Joette Johnson, Shon Thompson, Tim Johnson and Scott Johnson; brother, Al Johnson; 18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives Patricia and Mary; parents; daughter, Melissa Ann Johnson; two grandchildren; brothers, Walt and Richard and sister Agnes.

Visitation for Henry will be from 4:00-6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at the Lead-Deadwood Memorial Chapel in Lead. Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, December 13, at the Chapel with Reverend Mark Phillips presiding.