Obituary of Vandon DeVere Johnson

Vandon DeVere Johnson passed away on September 3, 2016 at Clearwater Lake with loved ones by his side from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm after years of circulation problems. Van was born March 17, 1936 to Aili and Harold Johnson. Raised with his brother, Daryl, in south Minneapolis, Van graduated from Southwest High School and enjoyed significant time with family in Willmar. He spent time in the navy, and then attended Embry Riddle for aviation mechanics. Van married Barbara Johnson in 1959 and raised two children, Harold (Kandy) of Annandale and Heidi (Jerry) of Savage in Bloomington and on Clearwater, also helping raise cousin Van Mackie (Paula) of Annandale. He began a 41-year career in aviation mechanics with North Central Airlines, followed by Republic and then Northwest, also earning his Private Pilot's license the same day as Harold in 1980. He later divorced, but was on the friendliest of terms with Barb until her death in 2007. Van loved to snowmobile, hunt, fish, sauna and travel, and enjoyed many great years on Mille Lacs and during winters in Destin, FL. A devoted fan of hockey, soccer, dance, snowmobile racing, lacrosse, speed swimming, baseball, Boy Scouting and all things Notre Dame, Van will be missed beyond words by his six grandchildren: Mackenzie (22), Lexi (20), Reygan (18), Ian (15), Carson (13) and Colin (12). Join us for a visitation/celebration of life Thursday from 4-8pm at the Cremation Society, 7110 France Ave S, Edina, and a happy hour toast on Friday from 4-7pm at Van's favorite, Valley Lounge, 3385 Sibley Memorial highway, Eagan.