Kenneth Johnson, 91

Cambridge – Kenneth Johnson, faithful husband, father and grandfather passed away early Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023 at his home in Cambridge, surrounded by his children.

He was born in 1931 in Mountain Lake, to Arthur and Angeline (College) Johnson. He had an elder sister, Phyllis, and two younger brothers, Duane and Richard. He grew up on a farm in Bingham Lake, then the family moved to Winnebago. After graduating, he spent his winters working at many jobs in Idaho, Washington, California and all over the west with his brother Duane. In the spring he would return to Minnesota and work in construction.

In 1958 he married Murna Hicks. Murna also grew up in Winnebago. Ken then attended and graduated from Dunwoody Institute. He worked for UPS for many years as a mechanic and later as a Fleet Supervisor in Northern Minnesota. They lived in Columbia Heights with their three children. In 1975 we all moved to Grand Rapids, where we met and made lifelong friends, and later in-laws, with the family of Larry and Naomi Virkus. In 1980 his job moved him to Cambridge.

Ken was a hard-working man who took care of his family. He had a dry sense of humor. He could be very sweet and sass. We want to extend a thank you to all the people from St. Croix Hospice who were so caring of him and so helpful.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, and brothers; Ken’s wife died in June of 2021 and she was greatly missed. We are comforted by the fact that he is with her now in the arms of our savior, Jesus.

Ken, is survived by his children, Vicky (Kevin) Virkus, of Grand Rapids; Debra (George) Johns, of Cambridge, and Greg (Dawn) Johnson, of Cambridge; and his sisters-in-law, Kay (Ambrose) Sonnek, of Minnesota Lake, Wilma (Burton) Wolner, of Blue Earth, and Marlene (Richard) Johnson, of Stillwater; nine grandchildren; Kari, JaNell, Jake, Rachel, Ben, Elias, Michael, Kaleb, and Elsa; and twelve great-grandchildren.

There will be a memorial service in the spring, so more family members can attend, to be announced at a later date. Thank you to everyone who has been so kind. Condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements with Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.