Ronald Dean Johnson

Ronald Dean Johnson, 79, of Clarkfield, MN, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, at the St. Cloud hospital surrounded by family.

Ron was born in Windom, MN, on March 30th, 1944, to Rollin and Doris (Karow) Johnson. He was baptized and later confirmed at the Red Rock Church. Ron was raised on a farm in Cottonwood County and is the oldest of eight children. He graduated from Jeffers High School in 1962 and from there he went on to work for Oak Grove Dairy. On June 13th, 1965, Ron was united in marriage to Mary (Schmidt) Johnson. He was drafted into the Army in 1965 where he served two years stationed at the Ent Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, CO. After active duty, Ron was relocated to Clarkfield, MN, where he spent 16 years with Oak Grove Dairy as the town’s “milkman.” Following that, Ron was a car salesman at Parkview Ford, self-employed with Delta windshield repair, and delivered the Star Advisor for the surrounding 5 counties for several years.

Ron cherished his family above all else. He met his soulmate, Mary, and they were married for over 58 years. They built a fulfilling life together and raised four children: Tammy, Sheila, Tim and Tara. Ron also greatly adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to watch them grow and thrive. He spent countless hours supporting each of them in their various activities. He was the most patient and generous husband, father, and grandpa. We all knew he would be there no matter what we needed.

Everyone who knew Ron, knows that his biggest interest was cars. Buying, selling, fixing, studying, and collecting them kept him busy throughout his life. In his early years, Ron actively enjoyed hunting and fishing, snowmobiling, boating, and camping. In his later years he enjoyed watching Nascar racing and various sports, numerous family gatherings, and visiting with anyone willing to share stories. But more than anything he loved spending time with his family.

Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Johnson; daughter, Sheila (Randy) Dyrdahl; son, Tim Johnson; daughter, Tara (Chris) Bogle, and son-in-law, Scott Berg; grandchildren, Derek (Megan), Devon (Kenady), Danielle (Duey), Makayla (Matt), Mackenzie, Desiree (James), Shawna (Trent), Alexis, Jenessa, Elijah, Grace, and Gabby; great-grandchildren, Layla Naab, Brenna and Owen Petrich, and Case and Baby Johnson due Feb. 2024; seven siblings: Dale (Kathy), Alan (Jo), June, Curt (Linda), Janeen (Steve), Pat, and Keith (True), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Rollin and Doris Johnson; daughter, Tamera Lynn Berg; nephew, Christopher Corbin; parents-in-law, Willard and Helen Schmidt, and brother-in-law, Larry Corbin.

Visitation with the family will be on Thursday, January 11th at 12:30 PM at Clarkfield Lutheran Church, followed by the funeral service at 1:30 PM. Interment will be in the Clarkfield City Cemetery.

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