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George W. Johnson, age 85, of Chisago City, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his cabin in Big Falls, Minnesota early Friday, October 20, 2023, surrounded by family.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane (Dockendorf) Johnson; father, George Johnson; mother, Hazel (Aamot) Johnson; and his three siblings LaJune (Tonman) Skoy; Joyce (Johnson) Sederstrom; and John Johnson.  

George was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and grew up in Little Canada.  He attended Ramsey (Roseville) high school and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, for two years before taking over his father’s well drilling business with his brother John.  He met his wife, Diane, while out dancing at The Prom Ballroom in St. Paul and they were married in 1966 at The Church St. Charles Borromeo in Northeast Minneapolis.  

They moved to Chisago City in 1973 where they raised their four children: Laura [Todd] (Johnson) Freeman, Lynne Johnson, Leah (Johnson) Retamozo, and George III [Leigh] Johnson. George was a proud craftsman who drilled and repaired hundreds of private water wells for families and businesses in the Twin Cities and the Chisago Lakes area for more than 65 years. 

He loved to fish, deer hunt at his cabin in Big Falls, and spend time with his family.  In his earlier days, he went by the nickname “Sonnie” and was a ham radio enthusiast, an athlete (football, track and field, & wrestling), musician (trumpet), and he loved to dance at ballrooms around the Twin Cities.  

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend to many.  In addition to his four children, he leaves behind nine grandchildren: Evan, Johannah, Faith, Isabella, Sofia, Miguel, Jordan, George IV, and Lucas; and one great-grandchild, Hildie.  He will be missed for his vast geological and well drilling knowledge, but more so; by the many people who love him for his sense of humor, kindness, and generosity. 

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City, Minnesota.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church.  Interment at Chisago Memorial Park in Chisago City, Minnesota.  Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota.  

Condolences may be expressed online at www. grandstrandfh.com

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