Roger Dale Johnson

Roger Dale Johnson, 73, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Ecumen Prairie Hill in Saint Peter on July 22, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Roger was born on January 27, 1953, in Marshall, Minnesota, to Melvin and Maxine (Jensen) Johnson. In 1968, the family moved to Saint Peter, where Roger graduated from Saint Peter High School in 1971. He continued his education at Austin Junior College.

On June 30, 1973, Roger married his high school sweetheart, Debra Kay (Fahning) Johnson. Together they built a loving home and raised three daughters: Julie (Jamie) Farlinger, Jennifer Johnson, and Jessica (Craig) Schrumpf. This year, Roger and Debra celebrated 53 years of marriage.

Roger was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family, often working two or three jobs at a time. Throughout his career, he worked as a welder, maintenance and janitorial worker, and operated a small lawn care business, serving local small businesses and many elderly residents in the community.

Roger was an avid Minnesota sports fan and enjoyed softball and golf in his younger years. After retiring in 2014, Roger found great joy in volunteering each summer at Cutty's Okoboji Resort Club. Over ten seasons, he became affectionately known as the "Flag Guy," a role he embraced with pride and a smile.

Roger was a devoted member of the Redmen Club, Ottawa Tribe 49, Great Council of Minnesota, Reservation of Saint Peter, Minnesota. He served in numerous leadership roles throughout the years, including local Past Sachem and state Past Great Sachem. His commitment to the organization and the friendships he formed there were an important part of his life.

Nothing brought Roger greater happiness than being a Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. He rarely missed a sporting event, concert, or school activity and treasured every opportunity to cheer on his grandchildren. At home, he loved playing "rocketship" with the babies and playing Santa at Christmastime, creating memories they will forever cherish.

Roger is survived by his loving wife; his daughters; his grandchildren, Brianna (Anthony) Tverberg, Devin Aretz, Ethan Farlinger, Regan Baron, Riley Baron, Clayton (Katie) Schrumpf, Aidan (Jordan) Martens, and Elliott Schrumpf; and his great-grandchildren, Theodore, Aztrid Roger, and Saturn Tverberg. He is also survived by his siblings, Merle and Cheryl; several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews; his lifelong friends, Steven Bardon and Michael Mace; and his faithful dog, Tippy.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Russell and David; his mother-in-law, Mabel Fahning; his great-granddaughter, Ella Tverberg; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Redmen Club in Saint Peter. A Redmen memorial service will begin at 5:00 p.m.

Roger will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his tireless work ethic, his willingness to help others, and the kindness and sarcastic sense of humor he shared with everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched.