Dr. Jennings Oliver Johnson

Rochester, MN: Dr. Jennings Oliver Johnson was born in Minneapolis on June 27, 1927 to Aagot and Hans Johnson. He was proud of his Norwegian Heritage and the traditions of Norwegian parents. He went home to be with his Lord on Saturday, July 9, 2011 from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis in 1945 and then attended the University of Minnesota where he received a B.S. Degree in 1949, Masters Degree in 1954 and his PhD. In 1967. He also did post graduate work at the University of Chicago and University of Connecticut and was in the John Hays Fellowship Program at the University of Oregon. He married Carol Sjordal in 1950. He began his teaching profession in Rochester in 1949 as a science teacher at Central Junior High. In the field of Administration, he was principal of Central Junior High from 1966-1981, and John Marshall High School from 1981-1987. He also served as an adjunct professor at Winona University, was a speaker and leader of workshops and seminars in many surrounding school districts. He contributed to many education publications as author and co-author. After retiring, he continued his interest in education by being a member of several education organizations, both local and statewide. In the community he served on many local boards. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1945 and served on the U.S.S. Dionysus and was later in the Ensign Reserves. His life was a testimony to the grace of God. As a member of Autumn Ridge Church (First Baptist) he served on many boards, taught Bible studies and used his voice in the praise of God in choir, Men's Quartet and as a soloist. Always interested in sports, he was an enthusiastic supporter of all local and Minnesota sports, including the Vikings, Twins and Wild. He had many varied interests, jogging, hunting, fishing, golf, traveling and all social activities with family and a wide circle of friends. For 30 years, he found much joy in being at his Lake Inguadona cabin, marveling at God's creation in nature, especially the loons. Foremost, he enjoyed time spent with his family, wife, sons, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and the new generation of great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Ruth Lundberg. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carol (Sjordal) Johnson; sons, Paul (Susan) of Bend, Oregon and Gregory (Darlene Marcotte) of Rawlins, Wyoming; grandchildren, Stacy (Josh) Lucas, Claire (Josiah) Dawley and Phillip Johnson. A memorial and praise service will be held 3:00pm Friday, July 15, 2011 at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd. SW, Rochester, MN 55902 with Rev. C. John Steer officiating. Visitation will be held 4:00-7:00pm Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the service Friday at church. Inurnment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autumn Ridge Church, Ironwood Christian Ranch, Camp Victory or to donor's choice. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com