Roger "Coach" Johnson

     Roger Dean Johnson of Gooding, Idaho, passed away at home on March 12, 2026.

     Roger was born on October 6, 1945, in Basin, Wyoming, to Lew and Sybil Johnson. He was the oldest of 3 boys, with brothers Philip and Peter. He was educated in Basin, graduating in 1964. He played high school football and baseball. He worked for his father and uncle’s trucking company. 

     After graduation, he worked for the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern Railroad for 11 years in Seattle. He received a certificate in transportation management. He also worked for Weyerhaeuser, various trucking companies, and Mother’s Cookies. He also worked at Valley Co-Op, Land O’Lakes, and Milky Way.  

     In 1972, Roger married Susan Ritter. He was a loving father to Kenny, Jeff, and Summer. He discovered coaching soccer in 1975 in Washington, and in 1996 began coaching locally at Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, then Gooding, and Wendell. He was still coaching soccer at age 79. His greatest accomplishments were not in the 3 state soccer championships, or being named Coach of the Year multiple times, but in the incredible development of players into good people on and off the field. 

     He started his ministry at 5th Avenue Church in 2000. That temporary job lasted 25 years. Roger loved God, his family, and lots of people. He was a great listener, encourager, and advocate for his kids, grandchildren, and his soccer kids.   

     Roger leaves behind his wife - Susan; son - Kenny (Mary) and grandchildren - Malia, Joseph, David, Jeffrey, and Mark; son - Jeff; daughter - Summer (Kevin) and granddaughter Adilynn; cousins - Sybil Hannah, Bob (Sue) Beckwith, Fred (Kim) Johnson, and Cozy (Bob) Dorton; brothers-in-law - David and Charlie Ritter; dear friend - Nancy (Tim) Brown; and various nieces and nephews. 

     Roger was preceded in death by his parents.  

     The funeral service will be on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the Gooding High School gym with Pastor Dave Graham presiding. A separate memorial service for his church family and friends will be on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 am with Pastor Alan Pratt, and potluck to follow. 

     Roger created a warm and welcoming atmosphere wherever he went. His smile, warm hug, and presence will be deeply missed by many.  

To recognize Roger’s passion for soccer,

memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s name

for a scholar fund set up at Columbia Bank.

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