Ronald "Ron" W. Johnson

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ronald “Ron” Johnson of Roseau on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 2 PM at the Roseau Evangelical Covenant Church. MN State capacity guidelines of 50% will be followed with face covering for all those in attendance.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at a later date. Join the livestream of the funeral service: https://www.facebook.com/events/335860230752390/

Ronald William Johnson passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on July 30, 2020 at the age of 66. 

He was born on October 17, 1953 in Warroad, MN to Rudy and Lillian (Olson) Johnson. Ron attended grade school in Malung and graduated from Roseau High School in 1971.  After graduating High School, he attended one year of school at Northland Community College in Thief River Falls and then returned to Roseau to begin his work career. 

Ron was united in marriage to his best friend and greatest supporter, Joy Thyren, in Thief River Falls on April 18, 1974. They were blessed with two daughters and one son. 

During Ron’s working career he spent time at O.K. Machine in Roseau, Nelson Chevrolet in Roseau as the Parts Manager, Johnson Chevrolet in Warroad as Parts and Service Manager, and NAPA Auto Parts in Warroad as the Store Manager for 26 years.  No matter what role he served in, Ron always enjoyed working with people and always gave 110%.  He brought a smile to the face of thousands of customers over the years.

Ron’s courageous battle with pancreatic cancer began in 2014.  His never ceasing positive attitude was remarkable and inspirational to anyone he encountered.  Not for a single moment did he complain. His spirit remained gentle and optimistic.

He was a member of the Roseau Evangelical Covenant Church and served as a Trustee.  His beautiful singing voice was heard with the Worship Team for many years and he looked forward to his turn mowing the church lawn. 

His favorite time of the year was fall and deer hunting season. Most weekends in the fall were eagerly spent out in the woods enjoying God’s creation.  Being an avid outdoorsman was the perfect blend for Ron of being in creation, family traditions and periods of being carefree. 

Aside from his strong faith in the Lord, undeniably Ron’s greatest joy was the love he had for his family.  His wife, children and grandchildren meant everything to him.  Following his grandchildren to their sporting events and activities, hunting and fishing together, or simply snuggling together in his beloved recliner … Ron was always happiest and most content spending time with his loved ones.

He will forever be remembered for the hugs he gave and his gentle spirit. His eye for detail and desire for perfectionism with any task at hand will also be held fondly in our memories.  The birds in Ron and Joy’s backyard were not forgotten either, he thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of watching their many feeders bustling with activity. He was so faithful in keeping each and every feeder filled.

Ron is survived by his wife, Joy; daughters, Jennifer (Dale) Lund, Moorhead, MN, Melissa (Jon) Bushy, Thief River Falls, MN; son, Ryan (Rachal) Johnson, Pequot Lakes, MN; grandchildren, Bailey and Kendall Lund, Brendan, Evan and Owen Bushy; step-grandchildren, Ellie and Drew; sisters, Karen (Richard) Craven, Crystal River, FL, Joyce Lovestrand, Bloomington, MN, Ruth Ann (Roger) Helgeson, Roseau, MN, Nancy (Bruce) Kallenberg, Bloomington, MN, Lois (Charlie) Durenberger, Mendota Heights, MN, Ann Marie (Terry) Haaby, Roseau, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Rudy and Lillian, infant brother Nels, brother Paul, and father and mother-in-law, Don and Joyce Thyren, and brother-in-law, David Lovestrand.

A special thank you to the Roseau Hospice Team for the wonderful care they provided.

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