Gregory A. Johnson, 64

Gregory Johnson, 64 of St. Hilaire, passed away on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at Methodist Hospital in Rochester, with his loving family at his side.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 7, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Burial was at Community Cemetery in St. Hilaire.
Gregory Arnell Johnson was born July 23, 1954 in Fullerton, CA, the son of Arnell and Mardell (Olson) Johnson. He was baptized into the Christian faith. When Greg was two years old, the family moved to Circle Pines, later to Erskine, and eventually settled in Thief River Falls. Greg graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972 and then attended Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls.
On October 4, 1980, Greg was united in marriage to Diane Gervais at Calvary Lutheran Church in St. Hilaire. They lived in Thief River Falls for about eight years before buying an old home in St. Hilaire, which was renovated by Greg and his family.
At an early age, Greg worked as a carpenter with his dad and brother-in-law, Ray Housey. Together they formed their crew, Johnson and Sons, and over the years built many new homes and apartment buildings in Thief River Falls, as well as the surrounding area. Greg was very meticulous and detail oriented as a craftsman. He took a lot of pride in anything he built.
Greg worked with Roger Forsberg for about 10 years, working as far away as Texas, Twin Cities as well as Thief River Falls area. Most recently, Greg retired in the fall of 2018 after 30 years of service with Land-O-Lakes as a route driver. Greg was very diligent about going to work and took a lot of pride in that.
Greg could always be found in his shop working or building something. Greg enjoyed hunting and fishing as much as he could and was a great mentor and teacher for his boys. He looked forward to the annual pheasant trip in the fall with his sons and best friends to their secret spot. An avid deer hunter, this fall was the first year in 47 years Greg didn’t shoot a deer. Greg especially enjoyed the time after the hunt with his family and friends, telling stories, processing the deer meat, and having a cold Budweiser.
Greg liked sitting in the sun on the deck after work, visiting and telling stories. He was known for his dry, witty sense of humor. Greg enjoyed watching his boys play men’s softball as well as watching his grandkids in their events. He also liked to play cards and really hated to lose in Smear, to the point that nobody wanted to be his partner. Greg and Diane enjoyed camping and hanging out at Lake of the Woods with their family and friends.
Greg served on the St. Hilaire City Council for many years, volunteering to help with several city projects.
Survivors include
Gregory’s loving wife of 38 years, Diane of St. Hilaire; sons, Guy Johnson of Red Lake Falls, Justin (Lisa) Johnson of Hernando, MS, Jacob (Amber) Johnson of St. Hilaire and Tyler (Angela) Johnson of Red Lake Falls; grandchildren, Alexis, Michaya, Cole, Adalyn, Wyatt, Nolan, and Blake; siblings, Barbara Housey of Thief River Falls, Kathy (Pam) Johnson of Faribault, and Susan Johnson of Thief River Falls; and many other relatives and friends.
Greg is preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Ray Housey.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com