Gerald E. "Jerry" Johnson

Gerald Edward (Jerry) Johnson of the Norseland community, was born at St. Peter on July 26, 1928 to Chester M. and Lena (Renneke) Johnson.  He was baptized, confirmed and a lifetime member at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and served on the council and various committees.

He attended District 6 school and graduated from Gaylord High School in 1946. After graduation he studied agriculture at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus. He farmed in the Norseland area all his life.  He served on the Norseland Creamery Board, District Nine O.E.O. Board and was a seasonal worker for Green Giant for thirty years. He always enjoyed working with co-workers and area farmers. He made many lasting and steadfast friends.

Jerry enjoyed farming, mechanics, the County Fair and tractor pulls.  He traveled through most of the United States including Alaska and Canada. He also loved going to auction sales. He loved to visit with everyone because “everyone has a story”.

On February 24, 1950 he was married to Hazel Knox at the Portland Ave Church of Christ in Minneapolis.  They were blessed with six children - Barbara, Deborah, Kevin, Mary, Julie, and Collin.  After Hazel passed away, he was reunited with a friend from 70 years ago, Alma Elizabeth (Betty) Fiek.  They recently married on December 24, 2017.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Betty; his children Deborah (Dave) Grant, Kevin, Mary (Steve) Johnson, Julie (Dan) O’Neill and Collin; nine grandchildren, and many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (Corrine) Johnson, Carl (Susan) Johnson and sister Catherine Luke and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel, his parents, daughter Barbara Saxton, daughter-in-law Tammy Johnson, grandchild Craig Johnson, great grandchild Liam Appel, sister-in-law Adele Johnson, and brother-in-law John Luke.

Funeral Service is 11:00 am Monday, May 13, 2019 at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church, Norseland with burial at the church cemetery. Visitation will be 3:00 – 6:00pm Sunday at St. Peter Funeral Home and also 10:00am Monday at Church. www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com