Written by his Daughter, Kim Watson
In the early morning hours of August 6, 2024, Dad left us to continue dancing with mom in Heaven. Even though we will miss him, he couldn’t wait to see hi Marlene again. He was our granite rock Dad; Hero to his grandkids and great-grandkids. Most of all, he was Mom’s fierce protector for 59 years.
Dad was born to Harry Johnson and Eldora (Davis) Johnson on his grandparent’s farm outside of Nevis, MN twelve days after the worst blizzard in Minnesota history. He weighed 11 pounds and 13 ounces. He joined 5 older siblings with two more to follow him.
Dad grew up in rural Minnesota between Park Rapids and Menagha along the Fish Hook River. He and his three older brothers speared Northern Pike in the Fish Hook and played a lot of baseball. The small country schoolhouse was over a mile away and they had to walk; uphill both ways don’tcha know? (insert Minnesota accent here). I remember him saying the snow would get so deep they could touch the tops of the power poles. Dad only went to the eighth grade but he was smarter than your average bear (his words) and Lord help you if you tried to pull one over on him. Dad loved all of his siblings but little sister Katie was most dear to him. She had the same mischievous side that he did. They would get to laughing so hard at themselves that tears would rolldown their faces.
Dad had the funniest laugh and if you knew him, you would know what I’m talking about. Dad started logging in Minnesota when he was 14 years old and that’s mostly what he did including in Montana and Oregon.
Dad met Marlene Tatro at a dance in the spring of 1964 and it was love at first sight. After their first date at the Dixie Drive-In in Park Rapids and many rides in his 1958 Ford Retractable Hardtop, they married on August 15, 1964 in Akely, MN. Then so began their journey of 59 years and 10 months. During their journey together they welcomed daughter Kim in June 1965 and daughter Karen in December 1968.
Dad loved to watch the Vikings play; things could get loud on Sundays. He and Mom went to a game in the Metrodome with his brother, Harold, and it was one of his favorite memories. Hs favorite thing of all though, was being with Mom, their grandkids and great-grandkids.
Waiting to meet Dad in Heaven were his loving wife, Marlene, who was probably impatiently tapping her fingers and pursing her lips. Parents Harry Johnson and Eldora Beck, his seven siblings; Stella, Richard, Harold, Harriet, Jesse, Katie and Danny. Son-in-law Kelly Swanton Sr., and grandson, Kael Larson.
Surviving Dad are his daughters, Kim (Ray) of White Sulphur Springs and Karen of Townsend. Grandchildren; Kelly Jr. (Tracy), Becky (Tim), Ryan (Evey), Jessie, Kodi (Josh), Jeri Ann (James), Ali, Cheyenne (Cody), and Kelly (Tabby). Great-grandchildren; Kade, Dre, Kyrsten, Gabby, Julian, Adrian, Gabe, Zack, Arin, Ericka, Jesslyn, Jamie, Jenny, Justin, Sam, Timmy, Jax, Silas, and Asher. Sister-in-law Bonnie (Cleo) of Akely; and many nieces and nephews and his best little buddy Kubby.
Keep on dancing with Mom and counting those trees, Dad!!
XOXOXOXO
Written by Jeri Ann
Jerry’s Granddaughter
My grandparents were together for 59 years. My gramma was a saint and by grandpa was as hard-headed as they come. For 59 years my gramma my grandpa’s backbone, more importantly his heart. Grandpa would have followed his wife to the end of the Earth. He worshiped the ground she walked on. For the past 50 days, they were apart but this morning, my grandpa followed gramma home. I know he passed away from old age but whoever knew them knows he died from a broken heart. Now, I have two angels watching over us.
Bonnie and Clyde are reunited once again.
As per Dad’s wishes, no services will be held but there will be a remembrance of life for both he and Mom on September 11, 2024 in Akely, Minnesota.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Cheyenne Phillips says
My grandpa was a hardworking man. He loved his grandkids, his grate grandkids, & most of all he loved his wife. He would do anything for his family. He would read in his bible every night before bed. He would watch football on tv every Sunday. He would watch games show & western on tv. Love & miss you everyday grandpa. Until we meet again.
Timothy Jeremiah Flesch says
They where the best great grand parents. There are alot of stories with them I could share from picking up cans to stripping wire to grandma showing me how to play the accordion. There was alot of time spent “spoiling” us great grandkids from buying us shoes to letting us eat ice cream for breakfast to buying all the food we could eat and then some, not to mention watching all of the cartoons like Tom and Jerry to foghorn leghorn ( grandpas favorite) . But most of all they raised me and my brother so be men and that is what I am most greatful for. May they fly high
Jason Rundell says
Jerry was my uncle, my Mom, Stella’s, younger brother. I have many fond childhood memories of fun times with Jerry before and after he married Marlene. I remember visiting them when they lived in Nevis and climbing on the town “Tiger Muskie ” statue. Marlene would play the accordion and we would play cards for hours. I will miss them both very much.