Jerry Johnson — Canton

Gerald "Jerry" Dean Johnson, 76, of Canton, passed away Nov. 2, 2015, surrounded by family.

Jerry was born in Amherst, Minn., on Dec. 8, 1938. He married Evelyn Malli on Aug. 25, 1956.

He farmed in Amherst until his retirement, when he moved to Canton. Over the last 25 years, he spent winter months with his family in Florida. He took pride in the farm that he passed down to his son, Michael, as he made frequent trips and calls out to the farm to "make sure things were operating correctly." He enjoyed the little things in life, but his grandchildren took precedence over all. "If I had known grandchildren would be so much fun, I would have had them first." You would often see him on the sidelines of sporting events — first the children, then grandchildren, and then great-grandchildren. Jerry could hold a conversation with anyone, and made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed farming, family, traveling, fishing, spending time in the Florida sunshine and passing the time at the casino.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Evelyn; children: Cindy (Mike) Shanks, Cathy (Steve) Hogue, Barbara (Karl) Hagen, Michael (Lisa) Johnson, Lisa Johnson, Jeffrey (Angie) Johnson; grandchildren: Jason (Amy) Shanks, Amy (Chad) Wangen, Bryan (Laura) Hogue, Matt Hogue, Jennifer (Jim) Burkholder, Kyle and Tanner Hagen, Parker, Dakota, Hunter and Gavin Johnson, Landon and Logan Johnson; great-grandchildren: Tori, Dawson, and Skyler Wangen, the families reside in Minnesota, Florida and Texas; special in-laws; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Taylor Johnson.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6, at Assumption Catholic Church in Canton. Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting the family.