Eugene "Gene" Johnson, 87, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at United Hospital in St. Paul.

He was born on August 25, 1936 in Owatonna, to Palmer and Clara Johnson and was raised on his maternal grandparents, Nels and Martha Johnson's farm near Havana in Steele County. He was an only child in his youth then as a young teenager was blessed with his dear baby sisters Sandra and Donna. Only a few years later their mother died, and Gene helped care for and raise these dear sisters. Gene met Arlene Oleson who recently moved to his neighborhood in June 1956 and were married at the Aurora Lutheran Church, a year later, September 1, 1957. They were blessed with two sons, Dale and Jay.

Gene was a member graduate of the class of 1954 at Owatonna High School and attended Mankato State College for a year. After their marriage he was employed by Marigold Dairies and later was a successful sales representative for various companies. Gene's favorite job was driving bus for the Owatonna Bus Company, which he did for 29 years. He had many fond memories from the numerous coach trips he drove on and the daily interactions with the children on his routes. Gene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and also a proud member of Sons of Norway. He enjoyed playing the accordion, playing golf and was an avid Viking and Twins fan.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Arlene (Oleson) Johnson of Owatonna; sons, Dale (and Karen) Johnson, and Jay (and Wendy) Johnson; 5 grandchildren, Daniel (and Candace) Johnson, Michael (and Lauren) Johnson, Ryan (and Alysa) Johnson, Danielle (and Tucker) Apold, and Jake Buswell; 7 great grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Lily, William, Eli, Clair, and Conor; sister, Sandra Wilker; and several other family members including half-brother, Tim; half-sister, Dixie; brother-in-law, Jerry Christensen; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his dear sister Donna Christensen, and several other special family members.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 4PM to 7PM. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 11AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Amanda Floy officiating. A visitation will be held starting one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Aurora Lutheran Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the Aurora Lutheran Church.