Russell Johnson

Russell Alan Johnson, 85, of Merrifield, MN died Monday, November 23, 2015 at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, November 30, 2015 at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Crosslake. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to services. Private interment will take place at St. John The Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Savage, MN.

Russell was born February 14, 1930, in Minneapolis, the son of O. Bernerd and Margaret Edna (Johnson) Johnson. He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Southwest High School in 1948. He worked for Northwest Airlines before he enlisted in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. While serving from 1951-53, he was trained in communications and used that knowledge following his discharge. He worked for Northwestern Bell for 33 years. In 1952, he married Geraldine McCarthy and the coupled lived in Richfield before moving to Burnsville in 1965. They retired to Horseshoe Lake in Merrifield in 1989.

Russell was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, camping and visiting state parks. He also liked to bowl, golf, and play cards - especially bridge and poker. Russell was a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Geraldine; sons, William (Beth) Johnson, of Savage, James (Sally) Johnson, of Peterson, Glenn (Ramona) Johnson, of Lakeville and Brian Johnson, of Burnsville; brother, Ronald Johnson, of Duluth; six grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Theresa Johnson; parents, Bernerd and Margaret; and twin sister, Arlene Carter.