JOHNSON, Dean 1942-2020

JOHNSON, ROBERTSON, HANSEN, SPRINGER, HOWREY, GOPLERUD, LEIDALL

Posted By: Karen Feldt Robertson (email)
Date: 11/7/2024 at 16:45:09

Dean passed peacefully at his daughter Kristy's house in Spokane Valley, WA on Wednesday April 22, 2020.

Dean was born in Otranto, Iowa to Emil Johnson and Lillian (Robertson) Johnson on February 4, 1942 on the family farm. He grew up on the farm west of Otranto. He attended grade school in Otranto and then High School at Carpenter and then High School in St. Ansgar where he graduated in 1960. Dean was a star athlete in baseball, basketball and football during high school.

Shortly after high school Dean was signed to a professional baseball contract by the St. Louis Cardinals and played in the All-Rookies Appalachian League. His career was cut short by injuries and he returned home to become a farmer and start a family.

He married Eunice Hansen in 1960 and together they had three children they raised on the family farm in Otranto After selling the farm he went to work for Hormel in Austin MN. for several years.

When Dean and Eunice divorced Dean moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1987 and worked for Goerdie Hormel there overseeing the many Hormel Properties. Dean remained in Phoenix until 2 weeks ago when the family moved him to Spokane Valley, WA.

Dean enjoyed spending his summers on his 33 acre mountain getaway in Colorado with his long time girlfriend Pam. On what was a piece of wild land in the middle of nowhere he cut roads, carved out a flat homestead spot, built his own solar powered station and many other structures so his whole family had a places to sleep when they came to visit. He also built bathroom complete with a working toilet, showers and hot water heater. He was "Mac Gyver" long before the TV show came about and could fix anything, build anything and everyone knew to call Dean if they had a problem or needed something fixed.

As his grandkids can tell you Dean wasn't great with names, if he called you "Buddy it meant you were in.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Lillian Johnson, brothers, Darrell and Dennis, sister Marcia Lynn Johnson Leidall. Also his fiancee' Pam Levianos.

He is survived by his sister Sharon Goplerud (John) Park Rapids, MN. children, Laurie Springer (Kevin) Northwood, Iowa, Kristy Howrey (Charles) Spokane Valley, WA and Darrell Johnson, Beaverton, OR. Grandchildren, (Laurie) Jacob and Morgan, (Kristy) Kylee, Joshua, Zachary and (Darrell) Aubrey. Brother in Law, Terry Leidall, Otranto, nieces, Mary McKeen (Darwin), Chris Goplerud (Dee), Jason Leidall, (Bridgette) Kelly Leidall Baker.

Also survived by many extended family members including Brooks and Genie Usher (Lily, Luke) Michael Hanigan.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in his hometown in Iowa.

Memorials can be sent to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ or Hospice of Spokane in Spokane Valley, WA.

St. Ansgar Enterprise