Obituary of Russell Vernon Johnson

Russ passed away January 4th, 2021 at home after a long battle with health complications from Agent Orange. He was born in Biloxi, MS on July 27th, 1942 and attend many schools growing up in an Air Force family.

He graduated from Grand Rapids HS and joined the US Army in ‘62 serving 6 years including a year in Vietnam. He returned to marry Judy in 1968 and started  a family. He earned a BA from UMD and worked 30 years as a business agent for the Retail Clerks Union Local 1116 where he was a caring advocate for worker’s rights and fair pay. He felt fortunate to live out his life on the farm on the river and loved driving his tractor (which was won in one of his contests!). He was a member of the American Legion. He will be remembered for his Hawaiian shirts, his quest for the “big win” in any contest or sweepstakes and his special orders while dining out.  

He was preceded in death by his parents Anna Lee and Russell V Johnson Sr.

He is survived by his loving wife Judith A (Rawn) Johnson; children Julie Johnson(Joel) and Jason Johnson; favorite grandson Mac Johnson; sister Ruth Ann (Don) Nelson, brother Ron (Bonnie) Johnson; sister-in-law Linda (Jim) Rolfe and 6 nephews. 

His family would like give a heart felt thanks to the best St. Luke’s Home Care team of Becky, Alan and Cicile! A service will be held this summer at the VA Cemetery on Hwy 53.