David Edward Johnson

David Johnson, age 78, of Faribault, passed away on April 19, 2025, at Elysian Senior Homes of Chanhassen following an extended illness.
David Edward, the son of Roy and Marge (Hemquist) Johnson was born on September 2, 1946, in Chisago City, MN. He attended Chisago High School and graduated with the class of 1964. Following high school, Dave attended the University of Minnesota where he met his wife, Jackie Green. They were married on January 20, 1966, in Edina. They later divorced in 1984. On May 24, 2005, Dave married Karen Zerck in Dothan, Alabama.
Dave had many passions in life- the first of which was music. Dave was a very talented musician and played saxophone with Buddy Koopmans and his orchestra for over 20 years. Dave also loved flying- he received his private pilot's license while still in high school, taught as a flight instructor, and later became an air traffic controller. He retired from the FAA in 1996.
Upon retirement, Dave and Karen began to travel and made several trips to both Alaska and Florida. They eventually purchased a second home in Bonita Springs, Florida, and spent winters hosting family and friends. He especially loved to take people out on his boat and seemed to know every beach in the Fort Myers area.
He is survived by his children, Richard (Lori) Johnson of Waterville, MN, Patty (Tony) Novak of Elko, MN, Amy (Chris) Lake of Chaska, MN, Ben Johnson of Wrenshall, MN, Joseph (Bonnie) Zerck of Anchorage, AK, Jeanne (Larry) Harn of Bonita Springs, FL, Ann (T.J.) Phillips of Spicer, MN, Chris (Jason) Wettstein of Olympia, WA, Katie (Patrick) Henry of Homer, AK, and Jacque (Jeff) Elvin of Chanhassen, MN; by 28 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; his siblings Randy (Gloria) Johnson of Chisago City, MN, Kathy (Brian) Boo of Chisago City, MN, and Bruce Johnson of Cumberland, WI.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, his parents, his brother, Larry Johnson, and his grandson, Joseph Lake.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Classic's Pub, 125 S. 3rd St., Waterville, MN on Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for information and guestbook.