Leonard R. Johnson — Rochester

Leonard R. Johnson, 100, died Monday, March 17, 2014, at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Rochester, Saint Marys Campus.

Leonard Johnson was born in New Richland, on Sept. 1, 1913, to John and Velma (Pierce) Johnson. He proudly served in the U.S. Merchant Marines during World War II. Leonard was married to Ruth (Fenske) Johnson until her death in 1987. He was retired from the Minnesota State Highway Department. Leonard married Anneliese Buskowiak in Rochester in July 2000.

He enjoyed carpentry, bird watching, crossword puzzles and keeping up with current events.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Anneliese; a daughter, Diane (Gary) Oberfeld of Green Valley, Ariz.; three stepchildren, Nancy (Abel) Dockter of Rochester, Monica (Steve Rud) Miller of Elgin and Rick (Susan) Buskowiak of Rochester; eight step-grandchildren, and seven great-step-grandchildren.

Leonard is preceded in death by his wife, Ruth; his parents; two brothers, George and Robert Johnson; and two sisters, Hazel Miller and Gertrude Thompson.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, with Pastor Brad Jensen from Ft. Collins, Colo., officiating. A visitation will be an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens.

Memorials can be directed to Quarry Hill Nature Center.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes,5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901,507-289-3600, ranfranzandvinefh.com .