Gerald "Jerry" Wendall Johnson, 91, of Owatonna, died Monday, November 20, 2023 at Benedictine Living Community after a short battle with cancer.

Gerald was born on May 5, 1932 at his home in Lemond Township, Minnesota; the son of Harvey and Alice Johnson. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1950. Gerald Married Betty Braaten on August 31, 1952 at St. John's Church in Owatonna, MN.

Following their marriage, they traveled to Upper Michigan as Gerald was stationed in the U.S. Coast Guard in Sault Ste. Marie. They then moved to a small house in Lemond before buying a farm by Lemond. They lived there for over 40 years before moving to Owatonna in 1999. Gerald worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation as a Chief Engineer. He helped with the construction of Interstate Highway 35 and was also a farmer. Gerald enjoyed spending time with family, playing fastpitch for the Owatonna Eagles, woodworking, going up north, traveling to California and Florida, singing in the church choir, and talking farming. Gerald was a lifetime member of Pontoppidan Lutheran Church.

Gerald is survived by daughter, Sue (Dave) Jensen of Willmar; sons, David (Cindy) Johnson of Owatonna, Darren (Stacey) Johnson of Owatonna; daughter-in-law, Terry Johnson of Northfield.

Grandchildren, Paul Jensen, Michael (Melissa) Jensen, Nicole Jeno, Abby (Tim) Malterer, Scott (Alyssa Link) Johnson, Carly Johnson, Spencer (Brandon) Miller-Johnson, Alexandra Johnson, Derek Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Ethan Jensen, Lily Jensen, Emalea Edberg, Karli Jensen, Christian Jensen, Elijah Jensen, Charlie Jensen, Nohlen Jeno, Evelynn Jeno, and Amante.

He was Preceded in death by his wife Betty, son Mark, his parents Harvey and Alice Johnson,

brother Hilding Johnson, and sister Lenore (Toots) Matejcek.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday, November 27, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 10:30AM at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Dave Klawiter will be officiating. Interment will be in the Pontoppidan Cemetery.