Obituary of LeRoy Julius Johnson

LeRoy Julius Johnson was born on August 28, 1942 to the late Julius and Florence (Sonntag) Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was called home to rest on May 21st, 2023 after suffering from a stroke.

Husband of Sharon (McClintock) Johnson for 59 years. Father to Suzanne (Keith) Schmidt and the late Kimberly (Kevin) Kelly. Grandfather to Ingrid, Dalton and Gretchen Schmidt and George, Clare, Frances, John and Tom Kelly.

Lee grew up in Minneapolis as an only child and graduated from South High School in 1960. After high school, he worked while attending college. He left for Los Angeles to attend UCLA, but missed his new girlfriend and soon returned to Minnesota to marry Sharon in 1963. Soon after, the couple moved to Los Angeles where they lived for 8 years and had their two beautiful daughters. They created a home filled with laugher and love.

In 1971 the family of four returned home to Minneapolis where they bought their first and only home in 1972. Their neighbors became lifelong friends, many of whom still live next door to the Johnsons and others who remain good family friends.

Lee had an entrepreneurial spirit, always looking for new opportunities and business ventures. He had a varied career working as a salesman for insurance companies, furniture and bedding, small appliances, and infrared saunas. He also worked as a business analyst, and a black jack dealer.

There wasn’t many days Lee spent sitting still. He loved boating and fishing. He belonged to horseshoes, golf and bowling leagues. He loved taking people for rides in his Duchess replica MG. Spending time with his dad, his children and then grandchildren was especially important to Lee. He made sure that the time he spent with them was filled with fun and all the activities that he loved. He patiently taught them with encouragement and enthusiasm.

He loved to travel and took his family on many fun cross-country adventures. He retired in 2008 and continued to spend his time seeing the world, as well as family and friends across the country.

Lee had health problems most of his life. In 1982 he suffered his first heart attack and subsequent heart bypass surgery and his second heart bypass surgery in 1997. In his last few years he coped with dementia. In spite of his health issues, his zest for life kept him strong and he was blessed with a long life filled with love.

Lee took a great deal of pride in bringing joy to others. He will be remembered for his positive attitude, his hearty laugh and how much he delighted in creating fun for those around him.