As the son of a teacher, coach and school administrator at both the secondary and college levels, Sen. Tim Johnson learned plenty about the value of a good education.

He was largely on his own with politics, however. Johnson's dad, Van, stayed clear of active campaign involvement or advocacy during his professional years, figuring he should focus on education rather than politics.

"He believed that politics would just get in the way of things," Tim Johnson said.

And Van Johnson managed to raise a son who would excel both in education and in politics, the second at both the state and national level. A Phi Beta Kappa as an undergraduate at the University of South Dakota, Tim Johnson went on to get a master's degree in public administration as well as a law degree, both from USD.

That was about the time he began to recognize his dad's subdued political philosophy, which tended to match his own.

"I think we had similar beliefs in life. And it worked out that we had similar beliefs in politics," Tim Johnson said. "He's a Democrat, a moderate Democrat, like me."

Van Johnson is 94, and living with his wife, Ruth, at an assisted living center in Michigan. They ended up there because Van Johnson concluded his educational career at Michigan State University.

Tim Johnson calls his dad regularly. And up until recently, his parents came to visit in the Washington, D.C., area where Tim Johnson and his wife, Barbara, reside.

They don't often talk politics. But Van Johnson has grown more connected to the political world through his son's successful political career, which began with his election to the South Dakota House in 1978, led to Congress in 1986 and continues as he seeks his third term in the U.S. Senate.

"He's been proud of me, and approving," Tim Johnson said. "And he said at one time that my grandpa would have been proud of me, as a strong (former Republican Sen.) Karl Mundt supporter."

Johnson also knows, however, that even his substantive political accomplishments can't measure up in his father's eyes to even more important accomplishments.

"My dad's most proud of my kids, and grandkids," Johnson said.

Related articles

Leaders learned important lessons from fathers

Rapid City mayor's father lived the golden rule

Governor's father 'knew it was time'

Dad believed in the value of a good education, senator says

Senator's father demonstrated strong faith and citizenship

Father worried for his daughter's future in politics, but now she's in Congress