Raymond Johnson

My name is Raymond "Ray" Herbert Johnson, and I was born July 1, 1936 to Ella and Herbert Johnson, during a record-setting heat wave in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I attended Penn Elementary, Jordan Jr. High, and Patrick Henry High School before attending the University of Minnesota in pre-med. While there, I met Barb Christiansen and after our marriage in 1957, we had two beautiful children, Carol (Ohana) and Brian. I worked for American Hospital Supply which led to a sales position based in Bismark, N.D., for three years then returned to a Minneapolis-based territory. My second marriage was to Rochelle Stensby, a very talented and successful teacher in Rochester. We were married for 13 years before cancer took her life in 1994. After two years, in 1996, I married another teacher, Mary Luhman, who had also lost her husband, Joel, to cancer. Mary has been a wonderful and helpful wife with whom I enjoyed many good conversations, travels, laughing and loving. Her children, Pete Luhman and Eva Cleet, and mine have given me beautiful grandchildren: Joy Ohana, Josef Ohana, Mariah Luhman, Lauren Luhman, Jack Burt and Yarra Cleet. I was a proud member of the Army National Guard for eight years, and the Elks, Moose, Eagles, American Legion, and many historical organizations. I enjoyed traveling, tennis, biking, fishing, reading, and seeing our country and its many historical sites during my 83 years. I am going to enjoy being with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but will miss my family and friends. It's been a good life. There will be a Fellowship service 10 a.m. and a Memorial Service 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 Third Ave. SE, Rochester, MN 55904. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Johnson family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com