Richfield, MN – Frederick David Johnson, 86 years old, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 24, 2026 surrounded by love and family. He was born on March 9, 1939 in Moorhead, MN.

Fred is survived by his twin sister Susan Caquelin, daughter Karen Johnson (Benoit Goessens), son Brad Johnson, many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as the Jones and Bloomer family members. Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Jones, parents Bennett and Evangeline Johnson, and brothers Robert/Bob (Vera) and Charles/Chuck (Beverly).

Fred grew up in Bemidji with his “younger” (by 57 minutes!) sister Sue who says that he excelled at almost everything he tried, especially math, music and golf. He started playing both piano and golf at an early age and never stopped. He was the church organist at First Presbyterian Church in Bemidji as well as the school organist at Bemidji High School for convocations, pep-rallies, plays, and the like. Both he and his sister were in small group of honor students recognized at their high school graduation. He held Bemidiji close to his heart despite moving to the city, as he continued to enjoy the Bemidji All-Class and Class of 1957 reunions and events each year..

He graduated with a degree in Actuarial Science from Drake University and earned an MBA from the U of M during his career in Information Technology at the Air Force DESC, Honeywell, Carlson Companies, White Motor, and The Minnetonka Corporation. He later enjoyed a second career as a Financial Planner then also software developer to support the financial planners at Ameriprise Financial.

Traveling was an important part of Fred’s life. There were many family road trips to visit national parks, historical sites, fascinating cities, and extended family. Later in life, Fred and Linda enjoyed many road-trip adventures in the US and Canada as well as international explorations in Central America, Europe, and China. Fred, always the planner, would break the USA into quadrants and prepare the routes and stops, book hotels (sometimes nearly a year in advance!), in order to make the most of these great adventures. His family carries on that travel bug and planning tradition. We all had hoped for just one more adventure together.

In retirement, Fred and Linda maintained busy schedules that included volunteering to support their favorite causes, continued learning at U of M OLLI courses, dining out at the latest new local restaurants, imbibing a craft brew (Fred loved his beer!, enjoying the arts with season tickets for the Minnesota Orchestra, The Dakota, the Guthrie and Theater Latté Da. While at home he enjoyed extensive reading of non-fiction and fiction as well as movies and his Sunday night Masterpiece Theater. Fred deeply loved caring for others and making sure they were ok as was exemplified via his volunteer work at Groveland Food Shelf, Nokomis Healthy Seniors (where he had hoped to eventually become a rider and not a driver), and Whittier Elementary

in Minneapolis where he brought joy and music to the kids as they left school for the day accompanied by his piano playing. Although a self-described introvert, Fred loved to elicit a groan or laugh from his jokes, would strike up conversations with fellow history/art/music/current events lovers, speak up at political events as well as share many historical facts and stories. How many of you heard about the Tim Walz conversation and his FJ hat (is it Foot Joy or Fred Johnson)? His social activities far exceeded others in the family. His crazily-detailed memory and extensive knowledge will really be missed.

Family and friends, we welcome you to join us to celebrate a life well-lived. A service followed by a reception will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:30 AM.

Plymouth Congregational Church Sanctuary

1919 La Salle Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

https://www.plymouth.org/visit/location-directions/

For those unable to attend in person, a live stream will be happening via this link: https://youtube.com/live/8Qd7gBCuHH0?feature=share

Fred would be grateful for any donations in his memory being made to Second Harvest Heartland or to your favorite art, theater or music organization promoting and supporting the arts.