Service Information
Dennis E. Johnson, age 86, of Gaylord passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm.
Memorial Service will be Monday, December 15, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Gaylord with interment in the Gaylord City Cemetery at a later date.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be Monday, December 15, 2025, from 9:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M., ALL at the church.
Military Honors by the Manthey-Asmus American Legion Post #433.
Obituary
Dennis Edsel Johnson was born on October 20, 1939, in Athens Township, Isanti County, Minnesota. He was the son of Edmund and Carolyn (Ahlstrom) Johnson. Dennis was baptized into the Christian faith. He received his education in Braham, Minnesota, and was a graduate of the Braham High School. Dennis furthered his education by receiving a Bachelor’s Degree at Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota.
On May 15, 1962, Dennis entered active military service and served his country in the United States Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War. He was Honorably Discharged on April 18, 1964.
On May 30, 1959, Dennis was united in marriage to Dorothy Hidenshield at the First Baptist Church in Madison, South Dakota. The couple resided in Madison, South Dakota, Boise, Idaho, and Gaylord. Dennis and Dorothy were blessed with two sons, Kevin and Brian, and shared nearly 50 years of marriage when Dorothy passed away on April 16, 2009.
On February 22, 2012, Dennis was united in marriage to Renee Ostermann by the Justice of the Peace in Gaylord. The couple resided in Gaylord. Dennis and Renee shared 13 years of marriage.
Dennis worked in the dairy industry as a field representative. He was employed at Davis Farms in LeSueur, drove semi-truck and worked at Lenny’s Gas Station in Gaylord.
Dennis loved snowmobiling, fishing, puzzles, and mostly loved life. In his younger years, he bowled in many leagues. His grandchildren were the spark in his eyes.
Dennis passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, Minnesota, at the age of 86 years. Blessed be his memory.
Dennis is survived by his:
Wife, Renee Johnson of Gaylord, MN;
Sons, Kevin Johnson and his wife, Ana Jimenez of Vancouver, Canada, and
Brian Johnson of Eau Claire, WI;
Step-Children, Paula Stanfield and her special friend, Tory of Stewart, MN,
John Stanfield Jr. and his special friend, Amanda of Hutchinson, MN;
Grandchildren, Noelle, Kajsa, Gary, Zachary and Kyle Johnson;
Step-grandchildren, Huxley Kuehl and John Stanfield III;
Siblings, Jari Brellenthin of Montevideo, MN, Barb Crerar of St. Petersburg, FL, and Alan Johnson and his wife, Phyllis of Thief River Falls, MN;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his Parents, Edmund and Carolyn Johnson; Wife, Dorothy Johnson; Siblings, Warren Johnson, Ronnie Johnson, Lonnie Johnson and Norma Hufford Johnson.
Katie (Little Rat) Olson-Joehnck says
I am so saddened to see this. My heartfelt prayers go out to the family. Denny “Rat” was one of a kind and will always hold a special place in my heart.
Brian Johnson says
Thank you Katie. Mom and Dad loved you two girls like no other.
Gregg Olson says
Kevin & Brian, My deepest sympathies to both of you. Your Dad was a good man. The fun and good times we had will always be a great memory. I’m sorry, I won’t be there Monday. I have a very important dr. appt. that I can’t miss. But will be keeping you in my thoughts & prayers. Once again, my deepest sympathies to both of you.
Brian Johnson says
Thank you Gregg, I know he had many memories of the fun times with you and your family as well.
Jerry and Yvonne Franke says
Sorry to read this. You have our deepest sympathy.
Jerry and Yvonne Franke says
Sorry to read Dennis passed away. He never met a stranger. You have our sympathy. Hugging you with our prayers. Take care!
Brian Johnson says
Jerry & Yvonne appreciate the thoughts I know that the times spent with the both of you were fond memories for him.
Lori Stumm Turbett says
Im so sorry for your loss!
Debra says
Brian is happily married and lives in Strum Wi
Eileen and Dennis says
Brian and Kevin. Sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. You know we have all known each other for many years. When your Mom was still living I knew almost everything about all of you and all the grandkids. You were like family. So when the Head of the family passes Kevin and Brian keep in touch with each other. You are the family. Renee, you and your family became a big part of Dennis’s family which he loved deeply. You could see that. Now I don’t know for sure if we will make it to the funeral as I have a Dr. appointment which is hard to reschedule. So I give you all my deepest sympathies and love you all
Eileen and Dennis says
Brian and Kevin. I knew your Mom and Dad a very long time. I knew your family quite well. Your Mom kept me updated Your Dad was on the road early so that meant I had to have the doors to Granny’s open. He often got the mail in and the coffee wasn’t even done yet. But he would get his creamer THEN it was ready. Soon after off he was. Story of your Dad’s life. And he went that way until he couldn’t. You can be proud of the man he was. Renee, Your family took over when Dennis’s family weren’t around. He loved them deeply. I could always see that. I have a Dr.appointment on Monday so I will see if I can change it and if not you all have my Deepest Sympathy. REST IN PEACE DENNIS. Love, Eileen and Dennis
Carla Axelson says
Uncle Dennis was a remarkable man. Him and Dorothy used to come to Willmar and attend my son’s swim meets or their concerts. Denny had a lot of great story stories and a great Swedish accent. I loved when he would say “up nort “. Rest in peace Uncle Dennis. I love you and will miss you