Obituary of Rev. Charles Rodney Johnson

Johnson, Charles (Chuck) R., Age 86, of Robbinsdale, slipped into the presence of his Lord on July 17, 2024.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Rev. C. Gordon and Amelia Johnson, wife Carol Johnson, sister Elizabeth Peterson, in-laws Al and Ivie Folden, brother-in-law Dale Peterson, brother-in-law Richard Folden.

He is survived by his daughter Christine (Justin) Page, grandchildren Theo and Amelia Page, brother Roger (Peggy) Johnson, brother-in-law Dan (Joyce) Folden, sister-in-law Karen Folden and a loving extended family of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Chuck was born in Grantsburg, WI. After high school, he enrolled in Bethel College, followed by Bethel Seminary, while also working as a school bus driver to pay his way.

Upon graduation from seminary, he was offered a youth pastor position in California, a move that proved to be destiny because it was there that he met the love of his life, Carol Folden. On their first date he and Carol, a MN transplant herself, decided to attend a Dodgers vs. Twins game. When they arrived at the stadium and discovered it was a sold out game, they quickly changed plans and headed to Disneyland. This was an early lesson for the couple that best laid plans sometimes require adjustments, but often lead to the happiest place on earth. For the two of them, that place was anywhere together.

Chuck and Carol married in 1968. Chuck had then been working as a chaplain at Los Angeles Olive View Medical Center until an earthquake destroyed the hospital and he moved to a smaller hospital. Another fortuitous life detour that allowed him to complete a year of Clinical Pastoral Education at California Lutheran Hospital, which paved the way to his ultimate calling.

In 1973, he was offered a position as Chaplain at the Arizona State Hospital, a psychiatric hospital in Phoenix. The two lovebirds packed up their belongings and headed to the desert sun where they lived for 33 years.

During his 28 years as a chaplain, he became a trusted spiritual guide to thousands of individuals, many who were going through their darkest days. He had an innate ability to calm people with his presence and lovingly accept people as they are. He also became an experienced authority on spiritual care in psychiatric settings and convened an annual conference drawing speakers from across the country.

In 1978, he added father to his title with the arrival of his one and only daughter, Christine Elizabeth. A long-awaited and welcome addition, except for Carol’s insistence that his motorcycle riding days were over.

When his beloved wife was given an early diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, he was undeterred, later retiring and becoming her caretaker, and viewed this role as a privilege not an obligation. He said the saddest day of his life was when he lost Carol on Dec 31, 2013.

Chuck spent his final decades back in Minnesota and serving in his most cherished role of grandpa. He loved nothing more than spending time with his two beloved grandchildren, Theo and Amelia. They were his world and occupied a huge space in his later years.

His absence leaves a notable hole in the lives of the people who knew him but the memory of his kind, quiet and generous spirit will stay with us forever.

A memorial service for family and close friends is being planned for late August.