Gerald Francis (Jerry) Johansen, age 87, passed away peacefully at Parkwood Memory Care, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, after living with Alzheimer's disease for five years.

Jerry was born in his family's farmhouse in Edinburg, North Dakota, on September 20, 1938. The youngest of 10 children, Jerry grew up working on the farm with his siblings and enjoying sports, particularly basketball and baseball. In high school, Jerry lived in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, with his older brother Clinton’s family and graduated from Robbinsdale High School in 1957. After high school, Jerry attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and majored in political science. During college summer breaks, Jerry returned to North Dakota to earn money for his college tuition. At this time, Jerry pitched for a local semi-pro baseball team and even faced the legendary Satchel Paige in an exhibition game, as Paige’s Havana Cuban Stars barnstormed through the Dakotas. At Macalester, Jerry met his future bride, Duluth native Janet Louise Nelson. After college graduation in 1961, the young couple moved to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Jerry attended the University of North Dakota School of Law. Jerry and Jan married in 1963 and Jerry graduated from law school in 1964. After a couple of years practicing law in the Twin Cities, Jerry and Jan moved to Winnebago, Minnesota, where Jerry took over the law practice of V.V. Lindgren. For over 30 years, Jerry was a successful lawyer, county attorney, and public defender. Over his career, he practiced many forms of law and was known for his compassion, integrity, and expertise.

Alongside his deep devotion to his North Dakota roots and heritage, Jerry truly loved the lakes and forests of Minnesota's Arrowhead region. In 1977, Jerry and Jan purchased a cabin on Caribou Lake near Lutsen, Minnesota, a place that became a cherished home away from home and a lasting part of their lives together. Jerry and Jan spent their summers on the North Shore with family and friends, fishing, boating, and hiking. An avid bird hunter, Jerry often hosted friends for grouse hunting weekends. In 1998, at the age of 60, Jerry retired from his law practice and the couple moved full-time to Lutsen. In total, Jerry and Jan enjoyed 47 years together in the north woods, including 24 years in retirement, until returning to the Twin Cities in the fall of 2022.

Jerry was a quick-witted man with a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine love for conversation, especially when it turned to politics. He took great joy in hosting gatherings, bringing people together with warmth and ease, and was always appreciative of a good meal, particularly fresh fish he caught himself at one of his many fishing spots. Above all, Jerry was a generous man, known for his kindness and willingness to share his time, his home, and his spirit with others.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jan, and two daughters, Sara (Robert) Hawkinson of Frankfort, Illinois, and Nan Johansen Huffman of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Jerry was a proud grandfather, blessed with six grandchildren whom he greatly enjoyed spending time with and supported by attending many of their activities and sporting events. They are CeCe, Colin (Carli), and Carter Huffman and Bobby, Claire, and Jack Hawkinson. In recent years, Jerry gained two great-grandsons, Baylor and Soren. Jerry is also survived by one sister, Marjorie Erickson of Cooperstown, North Dakota, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Frances Johansen; one sister, Norma, and seven brothers, Clinton, Richard, Robert, Douglas, Donald, George (Wally), and Ralph (died in infancy).

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota located at 7100 France Ave South, Edina, MN. Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Boundary Waters or the Alzheimer's Association.