Dennis Wayne Johnson, 64, died unexpectedly on April 8, 2020. Dennis, the son of Alton and Lorraine (LaFrance) Johnson, was born on November 5, 1955 in Owatonna and was a lifelong resident. Dennis attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Owatonna High School in 1974 as an Owatonna Indian. Dennis married the love of his life Susan Bauer on November 30, 2007, and they blended their family of his four and her three children.
Throughout his life, Dennis was a hardworking guy. As a child, he mowed lawns and did snow blowing for neighbors. As he grew, he worked beside his parents at Johnson's Sports Shop. Later, Dennis’s parents started Owatonna Rusco, a home improvement business, and he continued to work for them with his brother John until after his parent’s retirement. In 2000, Dennis received his building contractor license and started his own business, Johnson Windows & Siding, Inc. along with Susan and his son Jeremiah. Dennis was always so proud of all the homes he had worked on as a building contractor. He also had many rental properties and served his community with affordable housing.
Dennis was a man with a generous spirit and lit up the room when he walked in. He worked hard and played hard. Dennis loved his family and was in turn loved by all of them. He spent his time with family and friends that were family. He rode his Harley around most of the United States, with the gang, snowmobiled, fished, and taught his grandchildren to fish. Mille Lacs Lake and the surrounding area was one of his favorite places, and he had many more friends he spent time with there. Side-by-side trips to the U.P. of Michigan was a new adventure he and Susan enjoyed.
Dennis was a member of Owatonna Eagles 1791 where he spent an extended term as a Trustee. He truly lived its mission of “people helping people.†He was also a member of Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna and the Knights of Columbus – 3rd degree.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Susan, of Owatonna; his children Jennifer (William) Stanley of Isanti, MN, Jeremiah (Crystal) Johnson, Brian (Jennie) Hunt, Jillian (Lucas) Schuweiler, Joel (Holly) Hunt, Jacqueline (Joshua) Brunner, and Michelle Hunt all of Owatonna; his 14 grandchildren: Kate, Dylan, Adelynn, Kelbie, Bentley, Rylee, Jayden, Logan, Henry, Lydia, Charlie, Sophia, Bradley, and Emily; his godson Joshua Johnson; his brother John (Theresa) Johnson of Waterville, MN; his two sisters Julie Khalzadegen of Las Vegas, NV, and Debbie (Craig) Johnson of Lakeville, MN; a sister-in-law Amy Johnson of Lisbon, North Dakota; a niece and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Allen Johnson.
Services will be announced at a later date due to current restrictions. Memorials may be directed to Owatonna Eagles 1791. |