Obituary of Thomas Lawrence Johnson

Thomas Lawrence Johnson was born to Lillie Minnie and Joseph Lawrence Johnson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He died, at the age of 89, on March 18, 2025, in Madonna Meadows in Rochester, Minnesota. Tom grew up in Richfield, Minnesota and graduated from Washburn High School in 1953 where he was an avid three-sport athlete. He then attended the University of Minnesota where he played on the men’s golf team. Through the ROTC program, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, he was commissioned in the Air Force and was assigned to Thule, Greenland. While there, he earned the Airman’s Medal for Bravery as a volunteer leading a group to locate and rescue three fellow servicemen lost in a blizzard. Tom rose to the rank of Captain before entering civilian life.

In 1961, he started his 36-year career at IBM. During that time he developed several patents and received numerous individual and team awards for performance excellence.

Service was important to Tom as he had a strong moral compass and he volunteered for multiple charities. He was active in the Rochester Rotary Club where he was named the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow in 1983. Tom also served on the board for Habitat for Humanity where he received the Jefferson Award for Public Service. He was also President of the Zumbro Lutheran Church Council.

Before retirement, Tom took watercolor lessons, learning his hidden talent. He became a signature member of the Minnesota Watercolor Society, won awards including first place in their 2017 fall show for one of his paintings, had numerous works commissioned, and sold many of his works through Southeastern Minnesota Visual Artists.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Joseph Timothy, and infant sister Arlene. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jo. He was the devoted father of Steven (Gloria) Johnson, Kristen (Sara Klaas) Johnson, Craig (Tracey) Johnson, and Kate (Doug) Harber and also the adored grandfather of Eddie, Melanie, Kayman, Jack, Sam, Sophie, Graham, and Will.

Throughout his life, he enjoyed the great outdoors, with many trips to the family cabin to hunt and fish. Tom also continued his lifelong love of golf. When asked what he was most proud of in his life, he answered, “Raising four great children.” He had a soft heart, a kind soul, and was loved by many.

The family expresses their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Madonna Meadows and Seasons Hospice for their loving care and support. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Zumbro Lutheran Church Youth Activities, The Salvation Army, or a charity of the donor’s choice.