Obituary of Clifford G. Johnson

Clifford G. Johnson, 76, of Finland, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly, on November 15, 2018, at Essential Health (Duluth), surrounded by loved ones.

Cliff was born in his family home, in Carlton, in 1942, to George and Vienna (Lehto) Johnson. He grew up in Thomson, and he graduated from Carlton High School, in 1960. He worked at Northwest Paper Company, in Cloquet, until being accepted into the State Patrol, in 1967. He worked as a trooper for 30 years, most of which were on the North Shore. It was there that he met the love of his life, Christine (Lorntson). He was married to his beloved "Chrissy" for more than 30 years. Together, they built their homes, as well as many wonderful memories, most recently traveling together in their motor home.

Cliff was a man of many talents. For years, he owned the Montgomery Ward store in Two Harbors, and he worked many side jobs doing such things as carpentry, plumbing, and cabinetry installation. He built six homes of his own over his lifetime, and he helped his children both build and remodel their homes. His most wonderful attribute, however, was his personality. He loved his family and friends beyond measure, and he will be remembered most for his contagious smile, his unbelievably quick wit, and his love of children. His greatest role in life was as "Papa" or "Uncle Cliff", and he will be greatly missed by many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Billy, his sister Lauretta, his grandson Gabe, and the mother of his children, Diane K. Johnson (Larson).

He is survived by his wife, Christine; his children, Darla Coleman, Carey (Connie) Johnson, Christopher (Gretchen) Johnson, and Anthony (Trilogy) Mattson; his sister, Nancy Mrosla; his mother- and father-in-law, Georgianna and Robert Lorntson, Sr.; his sisters- and brothers-in-law, Mary (Arnold) Harp, Susie (Tom) Johnson, Art (Terese) Lorntson, Josie (Steve) Strand, Robert Lorntson, Jr., and Theresa Walker; his grandchildren, Calab, Stephi, Nels, Brianna, Laine, Sam, Tristan, Carle, and Carter; as well as great-grandchildren, Ashton, Kobe, Caylee, Clayton, Corbin, Sawyer, Brooks, and Harlee.

Services will be held at 11am, on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at the Baptism River Community Church, 6768 Highway 1, Finland, Minnesota, with visitation one hour prior to service. Following the service, lunch to be served at the Finland Recreation Hall - Clair Nelson Community Center, at 6866 Cramer Road, Finland, Minnesota.