Carroll Johnson

Carroll J. “Crazy Bud” Johnson, 83, formerly of Brainerd, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2014 in Phoenix, AZ.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 2, 2014 at 11:00AM at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Family and friends are welcome to gather Thursday evening from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to services on Friday. A luncheon will follow services with Interment at Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd.

“Crazy Bud” was born April 22, 1931 in Duluth, MN, the son of Hilbert and Catherine (Tyson) Johnson. He graduated from Central High School in Duluth before enlisting in the US Navy. He served aboard the USS Lady during the Korean Conflict. He returned stateside and started his automotive career. For ten years, he operated the “Carb Shop” and was an instructor at St. Cloud VoTech before moving to the Brainerd Lakes Area where he owned Champion Auto, Brainerd Area Towing, Brainerd Taxi Service and Limo Rental, and Brainerd Area Used Cars. He also owned Tomahawk Resort in Pequot Lakes and Spur Station in St. Cloud. He retired to Phoenix, AZ where he and his wife opened a used furniture store and worked flea markets.

He will be missed by his sons, Randy (Debbie) Johnson, of Cass Lake, Steve (Eileen) Johnson, of Brainerd, and Marty (Diana) Johnson, of Brainerd; daughter, Connie (Kenny) Ritter; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and very special friend, Barb Wylie. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife of 60 years, Arlone “Artie” (Ware) Johnson.