Russell Donald Johnson

Russell Donald Johnson, age 85, of Lake Washington, died peacefully Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at his home.

Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3, 2006 at the First Presbyterian Church, Mankato, with Rev. Dawn Carder and Rev. Paul Collier officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Friday (TODAY) at Mankato Mortuary. Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, American Cancer Society, or American Diabetes Association.

Russell was born April 28, 1921 to Joseph and Iva (Turner) Johnson in St. Peter. He graduated from St. Peter High School and attended the University of Minnesota, where he was a member of the wrestling team. Russ was active in Golden Gloves and was state welter weight champion. He served his country during World War II in the south pacific as a Tech Sergeant radio gunner with the Marine Air Corps. Russell was united in marriage to Dixie Carroll on May 9, 1945 at Scandian Grove Lutheran Church, Norseland, MN. Russell had been employed by Shari Candy, Kayot, Flote Bote, and Weers. Russell was recognized as a leading salesman throughout the pontoon boat industry.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he had been a deacon, elder, Sunday school superintendent, and youth group advisor. Russell was also a Boy Scout troop leader, member of the American Legion Post 11, Mankato Masonic Lodge, and Bullshippers coffee group. He enjoyed golf, writing poetry, boating on Lake Washington, and spending time with his family.

Russell is survived by his wife, Dixie of Lake Washington; three sons, Dale (Gail) Johnson of Marblehead, MA, Brad Johnson of Washington, D.C., Bruce (Eileen) Johnson of Mankato; five grandchildren, Jeremy Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Brian Johnson, Nathan Smith-Johnson, Erin (Josh) Raines; sister, Maxine Gaffey of Mankato; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; two sisters.