Ronald W. Johnson

Ronald W. Johnson of New Brighton MN passed away peacefully on Thursday October 26th 2023, surrounded by his family.

Ron was born on August 1, 1943 in Dayton Ohio to Curtis and Geneva Johnson.  He grew up in Northeast Minneapolis. He attended Minnehaha Academy, class of 1962.  He continued on to North Park College in Chicago IL.  He married the love of his life, Ann Warneka, on April 3rd 1965 in Waterloo, IA.

They built a home in New Brighton and were blessed with two children, Steve and Greta.

He loved to sing and joined the Minnehaha Singers, North Park Choir and Salem church choir (from the age of 16).

Ron joined his family business, Pella Windows and Doors, in 1963.  After some time he owned and managed the business until 1997.  Ron's passion was education and serving the Lord.  He served on many committees at church, starting with the Senior High League Youth Group and including the Building Committee, Stewardship Committee and many others.  He served as chairman of the board at Minnehaha and Salem.

Ron loved the outdoors.  He spent summers as a child at the family lake cabin in Pequot Lakes, MN.  It was the family gathering place.  He enjoyed many water sports, Tony his horse, and the entertaining the family did.  He purchased part of the estate after marriage and continued to enjoy it with his children and family.  It still continues today. He loved planting trees, gardening, all things outside.

Ron's family has reflected on how grateful and blessed they are to have had such a wise, compassionate and loving husband, father and grandfather.

Ron will be missed by his wife Ann with whom he shared over 58 years of marriage; two children,  Steven (Kelly) of Shorview, MN., Greta (Rob) Hammerlund, of Lake Elmo MN; four grand boys; Kylan and Kale Johnson and Drew and Holden Hammerlund; four younger sisters; Kathy (Larry) Morford, Joyce Ekberg, Beverly Johnson, Renee (Brent) Swanson; also countless nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Ron's life will be honored with a funeral service held at 1:00 PM on November 20, 2023 with a visitation one hour prior at Salem Covenant Church, 2655 5th St. NW, New Brighton.  He will be laid to rest in Hillside Cemetery.  

Memorials preferred.