Gary Johnson

Gary Eugene Johnson

Gary Eugene Johnson, 64, Nashwauk, died a peaceful death on Wed. July 8, 2015, at St. Mary’s CICU, Duluth, surrounded by his family and friends. Gary was born Sept. 27, 1950, in Hibbing, to John and Dorothy (Koziol) Johnson. After graduating from Hibbing High School in 1968, Gary entered the US Navy and spent two years in Vietnam and two years aboard a supply ship. One month after his discharge, he began working at US Steel’s Minntac mine, retiring as a production truck driver after 31 years.

He enjoyed hunting rabbits in his youth, and fishing with the “Dream Team.” He was a longtime gamer who kept up on all the new games. He was a wonderful friend and father.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Rixen) Johnson of Nashwauk; four step-daughters: Diane Mitchell and Lynn Maki, both of Hibbing, Susan Maki of Virginia, and Jessica (Rob Grondahl) Anderson of Staples; several step-grandchildren; two sisters, Pat (Richard) Giffin and Cheryl (Howie) Paakkonen; a brother, Mike (Darlene) Johnson of Grand Rapids, MI; his mother-in-law, Betty Rixen, of Park Rapids, MN; three special friends: Bob Cogger, Greg Williams, and Ted Erickson; as well as his continuously growing family of friends of Bill W. Gary was preceded in death by his parents; by a step-granddaughter, Jennifer; by his father-in-law, Morris Rixen; and by his friend, John Flynn.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Friday July 10, 2015, at Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing, from 3—4 PM with an informal time of sharing at 4 PM. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com .