Obituary of Ronald Arvid Johnson

Ronald Arvid Johnson

Johnson, Ronald (Ron) Arvid, 89, of Plymouth MN, passed away suddenly October 23, 2023, with his wife of 44 years, Mary, by his side. Ron is survived by Mary and their daughter Nicolette Rider, his sons Bradley (Renee Nelson) and Jeffrey (Cynthia Gerdes), grandsons James and Jack, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Ernest and Ruth, brothers Harvey and Roger, beloved sister-in-law Arlene, daughter-in-law Jane Musgrave, son-in-law Andrew Rider, nieces and nephews.

Born in Minneapolis and a 1953 graduate of North High where he was a gymnast and a starting guard on the football team, Ron worked with his father as a plasterer and served in the WWII Allied occupation forces in Austria. He joined the MSP airport police in 1962, became a Minneapolis police officer in 1964, and retired from the force as sergeant in 1989.

Relishing life after retirement, Ron enjoyed fishing (and could fillet like a pro), running (and competed in many marathons), vegetable gardening, solving crossword puzzles, watching sports, and participating in fantasy football. He was an avid Vikings fan, holding season tickets for several years. Fittingly, just before he died he had watched the Vikings win on Monday Night Football.

Ron was a proud Swede, and highlights in his life were traveling to Sweden and hosting relatives from the old country.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 8, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, Brooklyn Park. Visitation 1:00, service 2:00, followed by a reception with light refreshments. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army in honor of Ron’s mother, Ruth, who served as an officer.