Roger Johnson Obituary

Roger Owen Johnson of Fergus Falls, MN, passed away peacefully at his home on February 1, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born to Owen and Rocell (Klev) Johnson on June 22, 1938, in rural Fertile, MN. Roger graduated from Fertile High School in 1956 and the University of North Dakota in 1960. On September 17, 1960, Roger married Gail Maureen Johnson in Grand Forks, ND.

Roger proudly served in the military, first in the ROTC and then 8 years in the Army Reserves. He started his banking career at a newly-formed City National Bank in Cloquet, MN in 1964. While in Cloquet, Roger was active in many community organizations including Kiwanis, youth hockey, and city government. In 1978, he became President of First National Bank of Fergus Falls, MN. Later in the 1990s, Roger and partners began to acquire and originate a number of small-town banks under the name Midwest Bank.

Roger was a dedicated family man and had many close friendships. He enjoyed golf, card games, coffee with friends, and fishing/hunting trips. Roger was a doer who loved "projects" of all sorts, especially projects with the kids and grandkids, which allowed him to pass on his practical skills.

In retirement, Roger and Gail enjoyed splitting time between Fergus Falls and Gilbert, AZ. During Minnesota's mild seasons, Roger enjoyed spending time at his wooded property in Star Lake Township, where he developed "Camp Roger" into a destination for friends and family to have fun in the woods. The annual family reunion was also a Minnesota highlight for Roger, who loved spending quality time with kids and grandkids at Camp Roger and Wright Lake.

In Arizona, Roger and Gail loved welcoming visitors to their warm winter home. Roger always cherished time spent with neighbors and friends. He especially enjoyed walking and visiting with neighbors along the way, golfing, and playing afternoon card games. Always driven to stay busy, Roger became a self-taught, prolific stained-glass artist, sharing all his beautiful work with family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Rocell, and brothers David and Errol.

Survived by his dear wife of 64 years, Gail; children, Timothy (Lana) Johnson, Steven (Michelle) Johnson, Kari (Jeff) Johnson, and KrisAnn (Matt) Gadow; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Therese) Johnson, Lauren (William) Rader, Nicholas Johnson, Caitlin (Thomas) Willard, Christopher (Nicole) Johnson, Hayden Johnson, Levi Gadow, Joshua (Ally) Gadow, and Shayla Gadow; brother, Gregory; sister-in-law Pat Johnson, wife of late brother, Errol; ten great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls, with prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Loren Mellum and Reverend Eliza Johnson

Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Fergus Falls Bethlehem Lutheran Church Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com