Service Information
Gary “Sparky” Johnson, age 68, of New Germany, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at the Good Samaritan Society in Waconia, Minnesota.
Memorial Services will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Gary “Sparky” James Johnson was born on May 12, 1948, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Evert and Lucille (Michelson) Johnson. He was baptized as an infant on September 5, 1948, by Rev. Norman Nelson at Hauge Lutheran Church in Jackson, Minnesota, and later was confirmed in his faith as a youth on September 29, 1963, by Rev. Orville Martin at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, Minnesota. He received his education in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, graduating with the Eden Prairie High School Class of 1966. Gary entered active military service in the United States Navy on January 16, 1967, and served his country during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Constellation Aircraft carrier as an electrician. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 1, 1970.
On November 23, 1979, Gary was united in marriage to LaVonne Schroeder by Rev. Charles Wind at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. The couple made their home in New Germany, Minnesota. Gary and LaVonne’s marriage was blessed with two children, Holly and Josh. They shared over 37 years of marriage.
Gary worked at NSP, now Xcel Energy, as a line crew foreman. He was a member at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota.
Gary enjoyed fishing, hunting and building projects. His love for building projects included two parade floats and his big accomplishment the family cabin in Ottertail, Minnesota. Gary treasured the time spent with his family and friends.
Gary passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at Waconia Good Samaritan Society in Waconia, Minnesota, at the age of 68 years, 5 months and 29 days.
Blessed be his memory.
Gary is survived by his:
Wife, LaVonne Johnson of New Germany, MN;
Children, Holly Davis and her husband, Justin, of Cologne, MN,
Josh Johnson of Somerset, WI;
Grandchildren, Graham, Hannah, Merik;
Brother, Robert Johnson and his wife, Marcia, of Maple Grove, MN;
Sister, Lynn Bratcher and her husband, Phil, of Portland, OR;
Father-in-Law, Emmert Schroeder;
Brother-in-Law, Dan Teich;
Sister-in-Law, Joan Holmes and her husband, Jack;
Nieces, Nephews, Other relatives and many friends.
Gary is preceded in death by his Parents, Evert and Lucille Johnson, Sister-in-Law, Sherry Teich; Mother-in-Law, Dorathy Schroeder.
Bob Mochinski family says
So sorry to hear about Sparky’s passing, Lavonne, Holly, and Josh. Your family will be in my families prayers.