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Gary Allen Johnson, age 68, died peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 3 morning, at St. John’s Hospital, Maplewood surrounded by his family.

Gary was born January 15, 1947 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Elmer Johnson and Mae Jacobsen Johnson. He grew up in St. Paul, graduating from Johnson High School in 1965. After living for a few years in California, Gary returned to Minnestoa where he got a job at Land O’ Lakes in 1977.  He began in data processing, eventually becoming a computer systems programmer, and he worked there until retirement in 2009. While in California, Gary got involved in the beginning of the computer industry teaching himself the various languages and systems and the inner workings of computers. Computers remained an abiding interest; computer manuals shared space with ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ as his armchair reading. Gary valued hard work and integrity. Gary became a Christian in his mid-20s and his faith was a very important part of his life.  From 1982-1984, he attended the Lay Ministry Training Center at North Heights Lutheran Church, Roseville, where he met his wife, Ellen, and gained training and experience in worship leading. Music and his guitar were lifelong loves. He was part of a band in high school, and later was active with worship teams in the churches he attended.  He was a composer, gave lessons, and developed his own style of picking, as accompaniment on worship teams and for his personal prayer.

In 1985 Gary married Ellen Smith and together they raised Mathew, Gary’s son from a previous marriage.  They enjoyed hiking and camping, visiting over 40 of Minnesota’s State Parks. He also enjoyed biking, playing tennis, and fishing trips to the Smith’s cottage in northern Wisconsin. Gary will be remembered for his sense of humor and his ability to tell stories. Family and friends were important to him. Summertime family gatherings typically involved loaded picnic tables and loads of fun.  Holidays and special occasions spent with Ellen’s side endeared him to his niece and nephews, and Thanksgiving Sheephead games will not be the same without him.

For the last nine years, Gary was on kidney dialysis which severely cramped his style – except for his sense of humor and his appreciation for the caring staff at the Wyoming DaVita Clinic.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Mae; brother Ron Mooney, and brother-in-law John Arrigoni.  He is survived by his wife Ellen; son Matthew Johnson; brothers Jeff (Justyna) Johnson, Randy (Cindilee) Johnson; sisters Bonnie Arrigoni and Sheila (Gary) Deegan; nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service was Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch, with Mr. Jeffry Johnson officiating.  Music was provided by Mary Bye as pianist and Lori Jo and Michael Scherb and Julie Brunet as vocalists; Jack Winter and Randy Johnson as guitar players and Amberlee Johnson as a Scripture reader. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Interment followed the service at Sunrise Cemetery in Sunrise. Serving as casket bearers were Randy Johnson, Burt Arrigoni, Curt Arrigoni, Gary Deegan, Clyde Carpenter and Rob Lindeman.

Arrangements were under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch. Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com

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