IOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE REMEMBERS CARTER “TATER” JOHNSON

(Estherville, Iowa) Iowa Lakes Community College is mourning the loss of Carter “Tater” Johnson, 19, of Rapid City, South Dakota, a first-year student and member of the Iowa Lakes baseball team.

Carter was a Criminal Justice Transfer major pursuing his associate in arts degree. In his first year at Iowa Lakes, he quickly became an integral part of the Laker community, respected in the classroom and deeply valued by his teammates and coaches.

A graduate of Rapid City Stevens High School, Carter brought with him a strong foundation as a competitive, multi-sport athlete. He earned recognition as a running back before transitioning his athletic talents to the Iowa Lakes baseball program as an outfielder. His ability to compete at a high level across sports reflected not only his versatility, but also his discipline, determination, and desire to grow.

Whether carrying the ball on the football field or tracking down a fly ball in the outfield, Carter’s speed, instincts, and relentless work ethic consistently set him apart. He embraced every opportunity to improve and approached each practice and game with purpose.

Head Baseball Coach Chris Witzke reflected on the impact Carter made in his time at Iowa Lakes.

“Carter was one of the most bought-in players I’ve ever coached,” Witzke said. “He wanted to be coached hard. He wanted to be great. He was willing to do whatever it took on his side to help the team win.”

Witzke described Carter as one of the easiest players to coach, a young man who was often the first to arrive and the last to leave.

“If you have 45 players like Tater, you have a really great baseball team,” Witzke said. “He checked every box — great athlete, great competitor, coachable, and always wanting to get better. He was a big part of our team’s personality and identity. He was awesome to have, and we were lucky to know him. It hurts so bad that we won’t have him here.”

Carter came from a close-knit and supportive family who played an important role in shaping the young man he became. His father, a former Division I baseball player at South Dakota State University, shared with him a deep love for the game. His family’s encouragement and unwavering support were evident in the way Carter carried himself — with pride, humility, and gratitude — both on and off the field.

Carter’s faith was also central to who he was. His family shared that his heart was deeply rooted in Christ, and that he regularly spoke about his faith with teammates and friends. They reflected that his time at Iowa Lakes — particularly his involvement in Laker Life — was meaningful in his spiritual journey. According to his family, Carter’s witness and example encouraged others in their own faith.

President Scott Stokes expressed the College’s deep sorrow.

“Carter represented the very best of Iowa Lakes,” Stokes said. “He was driven, kind, committed to his teammates, and serious about his education. Our hearts are with his family, his teammates, and all who knew and loved him. As a college community, we grieve together.”

Vice President of Student Services and Athletic Director Troy Larson shared similar sentiments.

“Carter embraced the opportunity to grow, as a student, as an athlete, and as a young man,” Larson said. “He was committed to leaving no doubt about the kind of person and player he wanted to become. His loss is deeply felt across our athletic department and throughout our campuses.”

The Iowa Lakes Board of Trustees also extended its condolences. Board President Arden Kinnander shared the following on behalf of the Board:

“The Board of Trustees extends its deepest sympathy to the Johnson family, the baseball team, and all of our students, faculty, and staff. While we do not serve on campus daily, we value every opportunity to connect with students during our meetings and hear their stories. Each student is important to us, and we are heartbroken when tragedy touches our college community.

Carter was one of our students. His loss is deeply felt.

You are in our hearts and prayers. The Board remains committed to supporting our faculty, staff, and students in whatever way is needed as we navigate this difficult time together.”

Iowa Lakes Community College extends its deepest condolences to Carter’s family, friends, teammates, and all who knew and loved him. The College community will continue to support one another and honor Carter’s memory in meaningful ways.

Additional information regarding memorial services or campus tributes will be shared in coordination with the Johnson family.