Obituary of El Dean G. Johnson

El Dean G. Johnson, 86, passed peacefully in the presence of family on November 21, 2020.

Patient, kind, and full of wisdom, he lived a very full life bringing joy to all who knew him. Through his stories, music and his contagious laughter he touched the lives of many. Born April 9, 1934, he was the oldest of eight children. His family was always the first priority in his life, and he had many responsibilities helping his father on the farm. He later served three years in the US Marines, where his love of cooking came to life. He was a talented musician, playing lead guitar, bass, steel guitar, harmonica, banjo, and even mandolin. In 1971 he brought this talent to life by starting a band with a few of his siblings and friends called the “Al Dean Show”. In 1973 he cut an album in Nashville, TN. This love of music continued on and in 1980 he created a band with his wife Linda called “Rawhide”, and they played for 20 years. He and Linda also ran an upholstery business where he worked until retirement.

El Dean is survived by his loving wife Linda Johnson, children Diana Reid, Doug Johnson, Dale Johnson, Jodi Rennie (Bryan), Theodore Johnson (Lindsey), Sue Pattock (Brian), siblings La Mar Johnson (Perri), Larry Johnson, Paraleen Pew (Ron), Lu Ann Kurpjuweit (Wayne), Royal Johnson, Sandee Johnson, and many cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was p receded in death by his mother Pearl T. Johnson, father Ingvald C. Johnson, brother Marvin Johnson, and sons Darrell and Duane Johnson. Burial services will be held at Park Hill Cemetery, Duluth, Minnesota on November 28, 2020 with a celebration of life to follow Summer 2021.