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Lorens Edward "Butch" Johnson, age 82, of Center City, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2026.

Butch was born on September 11, 1943, at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California, to Lewis and Ethel Johnson. He graduated from Chisago Lakes High School (Chi-Hi) in June 1961 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1968.

Butch proudly served his country in the United States Army from June 1966 through December 1967, attaining the rank of Specialist Fourth Class (SP4). During his military service, he was stationed in South Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division.

On May 1, 1971, Butch married the love of his life, Susan Jane Drinkwine, at New Hope Lutheran Church in Downsville, Wisconsin. Together they built a loving family and shared 55 years of marriage filled with devotion, partnership, and cherished memories.

Butch enjoyed a distinguished 50-year career as an insurance company executive. He earned several respected professional designations, including CPCU, CLU, and CIC. He was known throughout his career for his professionalism, integrity, and dedication to his work. He finished his career as an independent insurance agent.

Outside of his professional life, Butch found great joy in spending time with his family. He and Sue shared a lifelong love of travel. On their honeymoon, Butch and Sue backpacked across Europe, beginning a lifetime of shared adventures. Together with their sons, Erik, Matt, and Brent, they traveled to all 50 states, creating lasting family memories along the way. Butch and Sue continued their travels, often seeking sunshine and warmer climates. Butch enjoyed classic automobiles, woodworking, researching family history, exploring new technologies, reading, and following current events and politics. He spent 20 years as a Center City volunteer fireman and was very active in Chisago Lake Lutheran Church. Family and friends will remember him as someone who was curious about the world, enjoyed meaningful conversation, and generously shared his knowledge and experiences.

Butch was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His strength, wisdom, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

Butch is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his sons, Erik (Cherie) Johnson, Matthew (Sheri) Johnson, and Brent (Lydia) Johnson; brother, Lewis Thomas "Tom" (Christine) Johnson; grandchildren, Jessica (Jullian McGinty), Ashley, Alex, Jack, and Anna; great-grandson, Joseph; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Lewis Edward Johnson in 1970; mother Ethel Mae (Schallenberger) Johnson in 2008; and daughter-in-law, Angela (Bailly) Johnson, in 2010.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, with a luncheon to follow. A private family burial will take place at a later date at Chisago Lake Hillside Cemetery in Center City, Minnesota.

Memorials are preferred to Chisago Lake Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Grandstrand Funeral Home."

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