John J. Johnson Sr.

Passed away peacefully on May 17, 2021. John was adopted at the age of 5, and grew up in North Fond du Lac, WI, with his parents John and Catherine, and older sister Mary. In 1951 he graduated from St. Mary’s Springs Academy. He was a member of the US Air Force for four years and worked with radar. In 1959 he was hired by Prudential Life Insurance Co. and went on to become a division manager. By 1975 John decided to open his own agency through Guardian Life, and stayed with them until he retired. John loved the Minnesota Vikings and never missed tailgating at home games or their Super Bowls. Fishing in Canada, along with shore lunch, was another true passion, and Florida was his winter destination for 20 years. During his professional life, he was a member of CLU, Toastmasters, The National Exchange Club, and DAV. He was grateful for so many wonderful friendships over the years, and was always ready for a party, scotch and cigar!

John and his first wife, Mary Lou, lived in Richfield for 23 yrs. where they raised their four children. John married Celeste in 1981, and enjoyed their home on Basset Creek in Golden Valley for 37 yrs.

John is survived by his sister, Mary, his children Cathy (Bob), Jay (Jane), Brian (Maureen), and Tom (Colleen), as well as 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

John will be greatly missed by his loved ones. A special thank you to the caring staff at The Glenn-Minnetonka. Memorials to DAV or Alzheimer’s Assoc. would be appreciated. Private service and interment at Ft. Snelling. Kapala Glodek Malone Funeral Home 763-535-4112