Peter Mark Johnson passed away peacefully on November 23, 2019 at The Emeralds in Faribault, after a lengthy and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. He was 77.
Pete was born on February 25, 1942 to Harold and Emma (Pechacek) Johnson at their family farm near Ellendale.
Pete graduated from Ellendale High School in 1960 and attended Mankato State College until he was drafted during his senior year to serve in the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam and became a dedicated and decorated soldier. He returned home in 1967 and met Linda Chesney. The couple married in December of 1968 in Mankato. They raised two children in their Skunk Hollow home near Steele Center.
Pete was a passionate fisherman, an avid reader, enjoyed camping, and was a particularly crafty problem-solver. Pete spent most of his life in the hospitality field. He was a people person and enjoyed being evening supervisor at the Gainey Conference Center for 19 years. He was a thoughtful and patient man and touched the lives of many.
As a young man, Pete was involved in wrestling, football, band, and 4-H. As an adult, he was a foster parent, a Sunday School teacher, and a wonderful husband and father.
He is survived by his wife Linda of 50 years, son Peter Michael (Joan) Johnson, daughter Lisa Cruz-Johnson (Jesse), sister Betty (Bruce) Rabe, sister-in-law Shirley Moen, mother-in-law Marion Sutter, grandchildren Evan and Isaac Johnson, step-grandchildren Monica, Lucy, Jessica, Dakkota, Dante, and Kylee, 4 great grandchildren, nieces Jennifer Moen-Currier and Sara Harris (Ronnie), and nephew Travis Rabe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John, step father-in-law, Paul Sutter, and brothers-in-law Larry Chesney and Buzz Moen.
A memorial service will be held at the VFW Hall at 135 Oakdale St. in Owatonna on Monday, December 2nd between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Donations are preferred to the Owatonna VFW or The Emeralds Care Center in Faribault.
Visit boldtfuneralhome.com for information and guest book.