Clarence Johnson. Jr.

Clarence Johnson, Jr.

Clarence Johnson, Jr. died on Monday, Jan. 6 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester.

Clarence Dale Johnson Jr. was born on Oct. 3, 1934 in Ellsworth, WI, the son of Clarence and Frances (Kukuska) Johnson. He grew up and went to school in Wisconsin. On Aug. 11, 1956, Clarence was united in marriage to Marion Stroupe in Red Wing. The couple moved to Minnesota in 1964 and settled in Hampton in 1968. Clarence had a variety of different jobs during his life, including school bus driver, farmhand, gas station attendant, milk hauler, bartender and volunteer fire fighter.  He eventually specialized and excelled as a Construction Superintendent for Johnson Bros. Corporation; he held that position for over 35 years, working on challenging projects all over the United States.  He was hard-working and very committed to his work.

Clarence was a member of St. Mathias Catholic Church. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with many; he was also known for making the best apple pie in town.  He enjoyed being active and outdoors throughout his life, hunting, fishing, helping his children with home improvement projects and even mowing the lawn.  Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and grandchildren, whether attending special events, hosting large family gatherings or just playing cards. He was very considerate and caring of others.  Heaven has gained an exceptional man who will be missed by all.

Survivors include his wife Marion, children Julie (Lee) Hinz, Donna (Daryl) Gonyer, Nancy (Michael) Brown, Susan (Larry) Kuehn, Dale (Renee) Johnson, Janet (Mark) Otte, Mark (Shelly) Johnson, Paul Johnson, and Gary (Gretchen) Johnson; 21 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Don (Marion) Johnson, Dick Johnson, Gene Johnson, Larry (Karen) Johnson, Karen Gudim, and Kathy Spartz; sister-in-law Dorothy Johnson; brother-in-law Gale Truax; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his son Dean Thomas, a son in infancy; brothers Ray (and his wife Geraldine), Jim, and Gary Johnson; and sister Pauline Truax.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 9, from 4-7:00 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. Funeral Mass will be on Friday, Jan 10, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Mathias Catholic Church, 23315 Northfield Blvd, Hampton, MN 55031. There will also be a visitation one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be in the church cemetery.