Gary Bruce Johnson

Gary Bruce Johnson, 86 year old resident of Staples, passed away surrounded by his loving family at Lakewood Health System on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023. Gary was born in Staples, MN, on February 26,1937, to Lyle and Sara (Schmidt) Johnson. Gary attended school in Staples at Sacred Heart Catholic School and Staples High School. Gary married the love of his life, Janice (Loken) Johnson on October 3rd, 1959. Gary and Janice had three wonderful children together. Gary was a truck driver for many years and for most of his life, an avid mechanic and owner of Johnson’s Garage. He was always fixing people’s cars even after hours when they would call his home and ask for his help with their mechanical issues. Gary loved to hunt and fish, demolition derbies- wearing many hats from running them to building his son, Mike’s cars, as well as being a huge wrestling fan, racing cars, and his favorite thing of all was playing dice but even more was spending time and attending activities with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gary had the most compassionate heart that served those in need and took many under his wing. He was a devoted husband, grandpa and great grandpa and a friend to many. He loved his family more than anything and never missed a thing for any of them. He was also a devout Christian, unwavering in his faith.

Gary will be deeply missed by his wife, Janice and their three children, Tammy (John) Fritsche, Pillager, Kim (Joe) Pilgrim, Staples, and Mike (Tanya) Johnson, Motley; grandchildren, Jessi (Jeremy) Weinhandl, Jason (Beth) Gustason, Cory Wilson, Kara Fritsche, Tony (LeAnn) Mack, Beau (Kadylyn) Pilgrim, Josephine (Robert) Jost, Raheem (Voss) White, Alyssa (Emjay) Ingersoll, and Maddison (Nathan) Leaderband, as well as 19 great grandchildren; siblings, Dale Johnson, Kay Jessop, Pat Myers, and Cindy Morales; cousin / best friend, Jim Schmidt and Kathy; and his beloved fur baby, Skittles.

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He is preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Sara; sister, Charlotte Johnson, and brother, Alan Johnson; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Leonard and Mary Jane Loken; and niece Sara Mertens.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, September 15th, at 11:00 am with visitation an hour before at 10:00 am.

Caring for Gary and his family

Taylor Funeral Home, Staples, MN.