Obituary of Bill Johnson

William “Bill” Dean Johnson was born March 6, 1931 in Britt, Iowa to Gerhard and Mildred Johnson. The family moved numerous times during Bill’s youth, farming and homesteading in many places in Todd County around the Sauk Centre area. Bill graduated from Sauk Centre High School in 1949 and he proudly served our country from January 16, 1951 to February 14, 1952 in the US Army during the Korean War. Bill was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Spilane on February 12, 1955. From this union, eight children were born. He was married to Darlene Larson on September 8, 1990, enlarging his family with two additional sons. Bill was a skilled craftsman in the flooring installation trade. He spent many years on his knees installing carpet, vinyl and wood flooring. Even after “retiring” he was called upon because his workmanship was well known. Many people are still enjoying the skills of his labor in their homes. Bill had a great love and respect for the great outdoors; instilling in his large family an appreciation for nature, animals, hunting and fishing. Deer hunting season brought so many of his children and grandchildren together each year. He learned the skill of taxidermy and has created some awesome animal preservation projects. His favorite sports were baseball and football. He was a catcher for his baseball teams in Sauk Centre and Corcoran. He truly enjoyed watching football; whether it was in the stands watching his sons or grandsons play, or watching the Vikings win. Taking in the occasional Twins game with family was a treasured event. Many memories were made with loved ones involving baseball or football. Bill will best be known for the legacy and heritage he has built with the leadership and love of his family. He has set an example of Godliness that each of his children have desired to instill into their own children and future generations. He was humble, even as he shared his wisdom, and was kind and gentle toward everyone. He was sensitive and not ashamed to shed a tear. It brought him joy to spend time in the scriptures daily and he prayed for each of his family members, by name, each day. Even if you knew him only briefly, he made you feel valued and special. He laughed and cried easily, and had a great sense of humor and wit, which we have enjoyed as traits passed on to many of his children and grandchildren. Bill, at age 85, of Elk River, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 6, 2016. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia Johnson; siblings, Gerald Johnson, Merle Johnson, Roger Johnson, Marie Baumeister. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Dar; children, Tom Johnson (Annie), Sandy Grupa (Brad), Pam Johnson, Tami Sawyer, Dean Johnson, Diane Iliff (Kevin), Jill Buelow (Tim), Ron Johnson (Patty), Dan Larson (Vicki), Darren Larson; 26 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; sisters, Marge Orgon (Don), Doryce Robinson; many relatives and good friends. Celebration of Life 11am Wednesday, October 26 at Living Word Christian Center Chapel - 9201 75th Avenue North, Brooklyn Park (763-315-7000). VISITATION 5-8pm TUESDAY, October 25th at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7835 Brooklyn Boulevard, Brooklyn Park (763-560-3100) and also at church 1 hour before service on Wednesday. Private Family Interment at Rush Creek Cemetery, Maple Grove.