Obituary of Roland Johnson

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Roland (Ron) Roger Johnson. He was surrounded by family during his last days and passed away on October 20, 2023 at the MLHS Long Term Care, Onamia, MN. Ron went to Glory at the age of 84.

Ron was born June 12, 1939 to Albert and Elva (Ree) Johnson in Princeton MN. He was the second of four boys. The Johnson family grew up north of Isle in the Opstead community. Ron attended school in the early years at Central Country School. He completed seventh through twelfth grade at Isle High School and graduated with, "The amazing class of 1957". In 1959 he married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Marie Deal. Ron and Jeanne started their family of four children, but lost premature twin boys in 1964. The Johnson family eventually settled in Onamia, Mn in 1965. In 1969 Ron purchased and ran the Twins Bakery for eight years. Through the many years following Ron was a school bus driver, a painter, ran an insulation business, truck driver, worked in the woods loading poles, managed Oakwood apartments, ran a restaurant, and many other odd jobs. Ron also had a passion for car racing. His brother Larry and he would travel to the local tracks with his "57 Chevrolet" to race in his younger years. Ron was well known and respected in the Onamia and Isle area. He was an active member of the Onamia Alliance Church, since 1965 as a youth leader, board member, elder, and teacher. Later when Ron and Jeanne retired, they lived in the country next to their daughter Debbie. Ron enjoyed the outdoors, working with wood, mowing the lawn, plowing snow, spending time with his children and grandchildren. Ron was also known for his drawing and doodling. The family has books and memories of his fun drawings he shared with his kids and grandkids. In 2020 Ron and Jeanne moved into Lake Song Assisted Living and in 2022 Ron moved into long term care. Ron was known by many as quiet, loving, faithful, leader, Dad, grandpa, great grandpa, father In-law, friend and just an all-around great guy.

Ron is survived by Jeanne, his devoted wife of 64 years and his children; Lori (Bruce) Miller of Swanville, MN; Steven (Carol) Johnson of Crystal, MN; Connie (Craig) Marston of Richfield, MN; Debbie (Curt) Jones of Onamia, MN. Thirteen grandchildren: Valissa (Dustin I.) Milanovich, Nathan (Sarah L,) Miller, Ryan Johnson, Christy Miller, Jessica (Steve) Balder, Megan (Richard) Struxness, April (Paul) Husaboe, Lain (Amber S.) Johnson, Luke (Bri) Johnson, Luke (Kate) Miller, Loren (Kristyn R.) Jones, Tessa Krein and Johannah (Braden) Clarkson. Fourteen great grandchildren; Sierra, Aiden, Annie, Henrik, Chloe, Clara, Evan, Eli, Carter, Rozalynn, Vidar, Blair, Archer, and Brigeth. One brother; Myron (Mike) Johnson of Robertsdale AL, Two Sister in-laws; Karen Johnson of Robertsdale, AL and Joanne Johnson of Marion, IA. One Aunt; Margaret (Mugs) Olson of Little Falls, MN. Ron is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents; Albert and Elva Johnson (Sandberg); infant sister, Diane Kay; infant twin sons; Keith Albert and Kenneth Howard; and infant granddaughter Jesi Marie; brothers, Darrel Johnson & Larry Johnson; and sister-in-law Kathy Johnson.

A celebration of Life service will be held at the Onamia Alliance Church on November 10th, 2023. Visitation at 2:00 pm, service at 3:00 pm and fellowship meal to follow.

A special thanks to all the wonderful staff at MLHS Long Term Care. You all helped make Ron's last year a memorable time. Especially his last days with all the love, care, and blessings you gave to him and family.