Ronald (Ron) Johnson

Ronald (Ron) E. Johnson, 83 of Barrett passed away on November 20, 2023. Ron was born on September 10, 1940, the fourth child of Adolph and Beatrice (Ostenson) Johnson on the family farm in Lien Township, Grant County, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lien Township. He attended country school district #67 through the eighth grade, and graduated Barrett High School in 1958. Following high school, he enlisted in the Army Reserves to serve his country. He was honorably discharged in 1965.

On September 22, 1962, he married Kay Anderson of Barrett and they were inseparable for over 61 years. In 1965, Ron and Kay purchased the family farm in Lien Township where Ron was born and made it their home. There they raised their children and built a rewarding life together. The farm was Ron’s anchor. Their initial focus was the dairy herd, later they raised beef cattle, and ultimately transitioned to cash crops-raising grains, corn, and soybeans. Ron and Kay worked side-by-side throughout it all, demonstrating the value of trusted, coordinated partnership to their children, which benefits them to this day. Ron was not only a successful farmer, but also very active in the community. He served on numerous agricultural and church boards as well as active fundraising in support of his community.

Ron retired from active farming in 2011, but he maintained a productive, full life. He and Kay enjoyed their retirement, raising an enormous annual garden and having freedom to spend more time with their large family and many friends. The farm, faith, family, and friends formed the core of his life and guided his choices. Ron will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and friend to many. Blessed be the memory of Ron Johnson.

He is survived by his wife Kay; their children: Jill (Tom) Furrer, Glenn (Kaothar El-Far) Johnson, Layne (Lea Aune-Johnson) Johnson; seven grandchildren: Ben (Kristi) Furrer, Jilaine (Travis) Strahm, Daniel Furrer, Anna (Eli) Bartz, Erin (Enoch) Waddell, Erika Johnson, Lauren Johnson; and twelve great-grandchildren. Ron is also survived by three siblings: Carolyn (John) Wiig, Karen (Robbie) Olson, and Eileen (Ron) Werk as well as many cousins and dear friends.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Beatrice Johnson; his brothers, Odell, LeRoy, Burton, and Leon Johnson, and one sister, Ione Peterson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Peace Lutheran Church, Barrett.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday at Peace Lutheran Church and resuming one hour prior to the service.

Inurnment at Peace Cemetery, rural Barrett.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice are preferred.

Arrangements are with Erickson-Smith Funeral Home.