Clifford D. Johnson

CLIFFORD DUANE JOHNSON November 20, 1947 - June 13, 2014 Clifford Duane Johnson, age 66, of Park Rapids, MN, formerly of Minneapolis, MN, was unexpectedly called home to Jesus on June 13, 2014 at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Park Rapids. Cliff was born on November 20, 1947 in Minneapolis, MN to William and Audrey (Lightfoot) Johnson. He attended Minnehaha Academy where he developed a love for music and played cello in the band and performed in the choir. Cliff graduated from Washburn High School with the Class of 1965. Cliff married Carol Thorsfeldt also of Minneapolis on November 23, 1968 and they were blessed with two children: Troy and Trisha. As a young man, Cliff worked for SafeTrans Systems as a purchasing agent for the company which manufactured a full spectrum of safety accessories used by the railroad from 1968 - 1976. In 1976, he began driving truck hauling potatoes for B & G Farms. Later Cliff purchased his own semi-truck and went over the road as an independent trucker. At one point his business was so demanding that he would be out on the road for 3-4 months at a time. Not being able to be with his family was very hard for Cliff so in 1982, he went to work for the RESS Company building revolving doors. In 1985, Cliff began working for American Airlines as a maintenance engineer for facilities, autos and general services in a career that spanned over 18 years. His work took the Johnson family to Los Angeles, CA, Raleigh, NC and Miami, FL. It was always Cliff's goal to retire at 55. He realized that dream in 2003 when he and Carol moved to Park Rapids and purchased a home on the Fishhook River. During his retirement, Cliff enjoyed worshipping at the Faithbridge Church in Park Rapids where he served as the sound and tech man and enjoyed helping with several construction projects. He and Carol were also members of the Forest Riders ATV Club. He loved the out doors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing in Northern MN. Recently he had taken up the hobby of refurbishing miniature railroad train sets and loved putting his creative energies to fruitful work. He was a former volunteer firefighter with the Blaine, MN fire department. Above all, Cliff devoted his life to his precious wife, Carol; his children Troy and Trisha and his grandchildren: Jeff who he and Carol raised since he was five years old, Aaron and Brooke. Cliff Loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and wanted everyone to personally know of Christ's love and forgiveness. His sudden departure to Heaven leaves a deep void for all his loved ones; but, they are comforted knowing that today he is in the presence of God's amazing grace. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife for these past 45 years, Carol of Park Rapids; his son, Troy of Auburn, GA; daughter, Trisha (Harold) Evans of Kennesaw, GA; grandchildren: Jeff Johnson, Aaron Evans and Brooke Evans; two sisters: Ginny (Bruce) Anderson of Bloomington, MN and Peggy DeGeest of Vallejo, CA; his brother, Don (Nancy) Johnson of St. Croix Falls, WI; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Cliff was preceded in death by his parents.