1935
Ronald
2014
Ronald Johnson
April 4, 1935 — June 26, 2014
The funeral for Ronald M. Johnson, of Starbuck, Minnesota will be held on Monday, June 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck, with Reverend Paul Johnson officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. Burial will be at the Fron Lutheran Cemetery, Starbuck.
Ronald Monroe Johnson, son of Arthur and Belinda (Hanson) Johnson was born on April 4, 1935 in Starbuck. He was baptized and confirmed at the Fron Lutheran Church. Ronald attended school in Starbuck, graduating in 1953, where he was a talented and hardworking 3 sport athlete: basketball, baseball and football. He was nominated captain for all sports and at one time held the Minnesota State Record in basketball for most points scored in a single game, with 69 points. After his schooling, Ronald entered the United States Army serving his country from 1954 to 1956. For 14 months he was stationed in Germany. Ron was united in marriage to Gail Smedstad on August 15, 1959 in Starbuck. He and Gail were married for 54+ years. The couple made their home in St. Louis Park and Bloomington, Minnesota, where Ron worked at Toro Manufacturing. He was hired as a draftsman, later became an engineer and at the time of his retirement led the Toro Test Lab. Ron's creativity came through in his work and his name is on one or two Toro patents.
Ron continued playing sports as a young adult. He enjoyed coaching his childrens' sports as they grew up. After his retirement in 1996, Ron and Gail moved to their lake home on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, where they have continued to live until the time of his death.
Ron was a very active member of the Atonement Lutheran Church in Bloomington and Fron Lutheran Church, always singing in the choir and ushering. He was also a member of the Starbuck V.F.W. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing Bridge and other card games. Ron loved sports and music, especially when his grandkids were playing.
Ron died on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at his home in Starbuck with family by his side. He was 79 years old. His quippy one-liners always brought a smile to everyone's face, all the way to the end of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Johnson, Starbuck; two daughters, Lisa (Steve) Nelson, Edina and Kris (Jeff) Wallace, Bonita Springs, FL; one daughter-in-law, Denise Johnson, New Prague; three brothers, Dale (Bonnie) Johnson, Richland, WA, Wayne (Kathy) Johnson, Alexandria and Terry (Cheryl) Johnson, Bloomington; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Monroe Johnson and his parents.
Ronald Monroe Johnson, son of Arthur and Belinda (Hanson) Johnson was born on April 4, 1935 in Starbuck. He was baptized and confirmed at the Fron Lutheran Church. Ronald attended school in Starbuck, graduating in 1953, where he was a talented and hardworking 3 sport athlete: basketball, baseball and football. He was nominated captain for all sports and at one time held the Minnesota State Record in basketball for most points scored in a single game, with 69 points. After his schooling, Ronald entered the United States Army serving his country from 1954 to 1956. For 14 months he was stationed in Germany. Ron was united in marriage to Gail Smedstad on August 15, 1959 in Starbuck. He and Gail were married for 54+ years. The couple made their home in St. Louis Park and Bloomington, Minnesota, where Ron worked at Toro Manufacturing. He was hired as a draftsman, later became an engineer and at the time of his retirement led the Toro Test Lab. Ron's creativity came through in his work and his name is on one or two Toro patents.
Ron continued playing sports as a young adult. He enjoyed coaching his childrens' sports as they grew up. After his retirement in 1996, Ron and Gail moved to their lake home on Lake Minnewaska in Starbuck, where they have continued to live until the time of his death.
Ron was a very active member of the Atonement Lutheran Church in Bloomington and Fron Lutheran Church, always singing in the choir and ushering. He was also a member of the Starbuck V.F.W. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, playing Bridge and other card games. Ron loved sports and music, especially when his grandkids were playing.
Ron died on Thursday, June 26, 2014 at his home in Starbuck with family by his side. He was 79 years old. His quippy one-liners always brought a smile to everyone's face, all the way to the end of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Johnson, Starbuck; two daughters, Lisa (Steve) Nelson, Edina and Kris (Jeff) Wallace, Bonita Springs, FL; one daughter-in-law, Denise Johnson, New Prague; three brothers, Dale (Bonnie) Johnson, Richland, WA, Wayne (Kathy) Johnson, Alexandria and Terry (Cheryl) Johnson, Bloomington; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Monroe Johnson and his parents.
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