Gary Raymond Johnson

Gary Raymond Johnson was born on December 30th, 1947 in St. Paul to Raynold and Jennie Johnson. He had one sister Sharon, 4 years younger that passed away at the age of 61 in an auto accident. The family in earliest yrs. lived in Mound before moving back to St. Paul when he began school. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1965 with letters and awards in gymnastics and golf. He met Bev at a dance at the age of 17. He attended Mankato State for one semester then enlisted in the Army in 1966 serving 2 of his 3 years overseas. Upon discharge in 1969 he married Bev in 1970. After a honeymoon in Glacier Natl. Park he started at the U of M getting a degree in Child Psychology in 1974. Their first son, Bryan was born 2 weeks after graduation. He worked as a Program Director for the YMCA loving kids always the joy of his life and coaching the boys and youth sports for years. Tony was born in 1978 in Bloomington, soon moving to Apple Valley. He was then employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a walking mail carrier for 30 years. He also taught a 'Dads and Discipline' class in Dist. 196 and enjoying that opportunity he returned to the U of M to get his Masters in Parent Education. Upon retirement he moved to Farmington where he worked as a substitute para in special education. Loved travel always with the family and he and Bev countless trips over many years. Life changed at age 71 when diagnosed with alzheimers. His final joy was Bethel Rock Church and the new life found there never leaving on a Sunday morning without saying...I love that church! Everyone lost a REALLY GOOD GUY, his loving, caring and smiles will long be missed and remembered. He is now whole again looking down on us with favor.

Survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Bev; sons, Bryan (Tonia), and Tony (Julene); 3 special grandchildren, Nathan, Henry and Carly; amazing niece, Kirsten; nephew, Al; brothers in laws, Maynard and Ole; and countless friends and cousins.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held Saturday, April 11th, 2026 at Bethel Rock Church, 6300 212th St W, Farmington, MN. Gathering of family and friends 10:00 – 11:00 AM, with service at 11:00 AM with reception to follow.