Gerald L. “Jerry” Johnson, 85
St. Joseph
April 30, 1932-Dec. 25, 2017
Gerald L. “Jerry” Johnson, 85, of St. Joseph, died Dec. 25, 2017 at the St. Cloud Hospital. His funeral was held Jan. 3 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph. The Rev. Jerome Tupa, OSB, officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery.
Jerry was born on April 30, 1932 in Blue Grass, Minnesota to George and Esther (Mietzel) Johnson. He graduated from Wadena High School in 1949. In 1954, he married Theresa Wrede. While living in Wadena, Johnson was an accomplished baseball umpire, even being offered a minor league umpiring contract, which he declined. He and his family moved to St. Joseph in 1964. Johnson worked as a route salesman for various companies, eventually retiring in 1995 as an independent distributor for Little Debbie Snacks. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Wadena and St. Joseph fire departments, retiring after 32 years of service and a member of the Teamsters for 20 years. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, bowling, playing cards and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include the following: his wife of 63 years; children, Debra (Steve) Herlofsky, Julie (John) Taufen, Gary (Mary) Johnson and Diane (Kevin) McGrew; grandchildren, Adam (Courtney) Schneider, Ryan Schneider, Eric (Bonnie) Schneider, Nicole (Aaron) Blackmore and Tasha Herlofsky; brother, Ronald (Jean) Johnson; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Lindsey Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.
