Goodridge – Gary Bert Johnson, 85, died on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at his home in rural Goodridge. Gary was born on March 22, 1940, to Bert and Josie (Lendobeja) Johnson.
In his youth, he played war with his two older brothers. They used their mom’s kitchen utensils for helmets, sticks for weapons in the summer and icicles in winter, their imaginations, and calling each other names of the leaders of the World War II allied enemies. Later, Gary enjoyed playing basketball upstairs in the hay mow of the barn. When the hay mow was being used, he mounted a basketball hoop outside the workshop so he could practice year-round.
He graduated from Goodridge High School in 1958. After graduation, Gary worked at a gas station in the Twin Cities area for a couple of years.
He was married to Alice (Sharron) Haugen on April 15, 1961. They had three children: Bradley, Robyn, and Brian.
They made their home on the family farm homesteaded by Gary’s grandparents, Rasmus and Betsy Johnson. They ran a Grade A dairy operation until the early 1970s, then their farm became a small grain and row crop operation. Their son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Tracy Johnson, took over the family farm in 2002.
Gary’s passion was farming. He looked forward to planting and harvest times each year and took great pride in the farming operation. Winters were spent fixing and maintaining farm equipment, and he was a skillful mechanic. He was an avid reader of farm magazines and was always looking at ways to improve the farm operation.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed watching the 3 Stooges. He would laugh and laugh, many times with his grandchildren. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening and restoring tractors, cars and farm equipment. His restorations matched the work done by professionals.
His favorite holiday was the 4th of July. He was known for lighting firecrackers in his hand and waiting until the last second to throw it in the air. You did not want to be sitting or standing close to him.
Gary is survived by his children: Bradley (Marlene) Johnson, Robyn Meyer, and Brian (Tracy) Johnson; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his bothers, Rick (Mitzi), and Bob (Susan); and his ex-wife, Sharron Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Josie Johnson; and his brother, Daniel (Danny) Johnson.
No funeral service will be held. Gary’s ashes will be spread on the family farm, which he loved so much. Please send any donations to HIA Hospice of the Red River Valley, who provided great comfort to both Gary and his family during his final months on this earth. May he rest in peace.
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