Gerald W. Johnson

GERALD W. "Jerry" JOHNSON March 8, 1936 - January 22, 2015 Gerald W. "Jerry" Johnson, age 78 of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Minneapolis entered the splendor and Glory of Heaven on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at his home with his loved ones at his side, following a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. Jerry was born on March 8, 1936 in St. Cloud, MN to George W. and Mildred (Hoyem) Johnson. As a child, Jerry's family moved to South Minneapolis where he attended public school, graduating from the Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1953. Jerry was gifted with excellent people skills and gained employment selling medical equipment to doctors, hospitals and clinics for the C.F. Anderson Co., right out of high school. On November 5, 1955, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Nelson in Mpls. This union was blessed with two children: Terry Scott and Deena Marie. In 1958, Jerry entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country as a member of the Company D, lst MTB, 37th Armor, APO 751. He was honorably discharged in 1960 and returned home early to surprise his young wife back in Minneapolis. Jerry then resumed his position with the C.F. Anderson Company in a career that ultimately spanned over 43 years. He dedicated himself to building a good life for his wife and children; always striving to keep a balance between work and quality family time. In 1979, Jerry and Shirley purchased a home on Long Lake southeast of Park Rapids. They looked forward to their weekend ventures to their little piece of lake paradise. Upon retiring in 1998, Jerry and Shirley made the lake home their permanent address. For 16 years they enjoyed living on the lake and enjoying the many birds and wildlife that graced their property. He enjoyed photography and was blessed to have taken many beautiful shots of sunsets on Long Lake from their lake shore. Jerry also loved to golf and looked forward to a challenging round of golf where he enjoyed the camaraderie of other men and keeping his skills sharp. He also loved to read and enjoyed listening to good music. Jerry was a man of faith. He looked forward to attending and being involved in a meaningful way in the life of the Faithbridge Church. He was a people person who impacted the lives of many people. Now in the sad time of his home going, his family is comforted with the assurance that because of his relationship with Jesus Christ he is now fully healed and resides where "no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor can the mind of man conceive all that God has prepared for those who love him". Throughout his life, Jerry's love and devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren was a great example to all those who knew him. Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 59 years, Shirley; son, Terry (Bobbi Jo) Johnson of Glenwood; his daughter, Deena (Jim) Fischer of Bloomington; 4 dearly loved grandchildren: Kyla Fischer and Paige Fischer both of Bloomington and Scott Johnson and Kelsey Johnson both of Glenwood, MN; his brother, Richard (Darlene) Johnson of Tucson, AZ as well as nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ron who died less than a week before and a sister, Marjorie who died in 1990. In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to Park Rapids Hospice, Relay for Life and the Faithbridge Church. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at the Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids with the Rev. Marty Giese and the Rev. David Cripe officiating. The organist will be Anna Campbell. Bill Lundsten will sing, "Precious Lord Take My Hand". Casket bearers will be: Bob Oman, John Oman, Dan Oman, Susan (Oman) Pilarski, Tim Moen, and Chris Moen. The honorary casket bearers will be Jim Shortridge, Tom Idso, Ralph Badger, Bart Jones, Ron Jensen, Charlie Phillips, Rick Johnson, Phil Campbell and other nieces and nephews. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids. Military honors will be conducted by the Star of The North Marine Corps League under the command of Mr. David Free. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences please visit www.jonespearson.com