Leslie Johnston

Leslie LeRoy Johnston, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, 88, of North Mankato and formerly of Mapleton, passed away May 25, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Health Care System in Mankato.

A memorial service will take place 11:00a.m., Monday, June 29, 2020 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Decoria Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. John Lutheran Church in Mapleton, Oak Terrace Activities Fund, or donor’s choice. Memorials may be directed to Leslie Davis, 5616 Sanibel Dr., Minnetonka, MN 55343. 

Les was born in rural Waseca County oldest son of Roy and Ruth (Leslie) Johnston on October 25, 1931. He attended school in New Richland, Minnesota where he was manager of multiple sports teams and after graduating high school in 1949, he met the love of his life and future wife, Lola Ann Rader. They were wed on February 24, 1952. Les served in the US Army for two years as a cook instructor at Fort Ord, California. He returned home for the birth of the first of four daughters, Dawn. He worked at Al’s Grocery in Mapleton. Shortly before the birth of his second daughter, Pam, he started work at Madsen’s Store in Mankato. The family increased with the daughter Leslie Ann and two years later, Holly was born. Les was in the grocery business for over 42 years working at Madsen’s which became Randall’s. After retirement, he also worked part time at Dietz Foods in Mapleton.

Les and Lola celebrated many happy years together as residents of the Mapleton community. Les was member of St. John Lutheran Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and usher.

Due to health concerns, they moved to Oak Terrace Assisted Living where he lived until his death.  

Les is survived by  his 4 daughters, Dawn (Tom) Stolp of Mankato, Pam (Mike) Patonai of Henderson, Nevada, Leslie Ann (Jon) Davis of Minnetonka, and Holly (Tim) Rock of Eagle Lake; 6 grandchildren, David (Bonnie) Patonai, Adam (Joleen) Patonai, Lance (Jackie) Patonai, Kim (Morgan) Sanders, Sarah (Ryan) Schroeder, and Zach Rock; 5 great-grandchildren; 1 brother-in-law, James Rader; and 2 sisters-in-law, Emily Minkel and Ethel Johnston.

He was preceded in death by brother, Lowell Johnston; parents; and his loving wife of 66 years, Lola.