David Owen Johnson, age 77, of Clontarf, died Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Gabriel House. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 27, 2016 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Burial will be in St. Malachy Catholic Cemetery in Clontarf.
David Owen Johnson was born on February 11, 1939 in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Lawrence V. Johnson and Myrtle O. (Nelson) Johnson. He was baptized into the Lutheran Faith. In 1960, David converted to Catholicism at St. Malachy’s in Clontarf, MN. He grew up in the Benson area and attended country school and graduated from Benson High School. David worked for United Airlines in Minneapolis, Chicago and New York. On September 10, 1960 David was united in marriage to Deann Kay Chamberlain at the St. Malachy Catholic Church by Rev. Richard King. This union was blessed with two children, four grandchildren, and 53 years of marriage. Dave and Deann lived in Minneapolis from 1960 – 1967 where he continued to work for United Airlines. David served in the Army National Guard of Minnesota from 1962 – 1965. In 1969, he and Deann founded their family business, Johnson Fertilizer Service, in Clontarf, MN. They worked side by side for many years along with their children. David enjoyed socializing with all of his customers, friends, family and employees. He enjoyed traveling, taking pictures, and creating fun memories and new friendships along the way. David enjoyed listening to music and flowers, especially red roses. David was called from this life on Sunday, October 23, 2016 peacefully at the Gabriel House in Murdock, MN. He attained 77 years of age.
David is survived by his children: Tom (Tracy) and Jim (Wendy) Johnson, all of Clontarf, MN; four grandchildren: Michael, Kevin, Daniel and Allison Johnson; brothers: Lawrence Jr. (Lila) Johnson of Benson, MN, Daryl (Laurel) Johnson of Twin Valley, MN, Leighton (Faye) Johnson of Jesup, GA, Marlow (Sandy) Johnson of Webster, WI; sister: Pam Torgerson of Shakopee, MN; brothers-in-law: Bob Richardson of Lonsdale, MN and Don Dingwell of Huntington Beach, CA; sister-in-law: Donna Plautz of Minnetonka, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deann; parents: Lawrence Sr. and Myrtle Johnson; grandchildren: Raymond, Amanda and Baby Johnson; sisters: Ardis Neuhaus, Bev Richardson, and Debbie Dingwell; brother: Silas Johnson and brother-in-law: Donald Neuhaus.