Dennis Ray Johnson

Dennis Ray Johnson, passed away on January 15, 2022 at his home in St. Paul, MN. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Mary Katynski-Johnson, and several friends.

After a short, painful battle with lung cancer, Dennis left this world at peace surrounded by loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Mary, two sons, Michael (Gena) and Ronald (Victoria), grandchildren, Dillon, Matthew, Daniel, Alexander and Katherine and his favorite cats Skye and Taj. He is preceded in death by his father (Emil), mother (Anita) and son (Mark).

Born Dennis Ray Johnson on September 19, 1938, in Hibbing MN, he spent the first part of his life sticking close to home. Upon graduating from high school, he took a job that allowed him to travel to Alaska and explore various islands in the southern part of the state. He joined the Army and was involved with the installation and operation of radar equipment. After a 27-year career with Control Data Corporation as an Account Manager in the Twin Cities area, he spent time as a car salesman, financial support person and tax preparer and ended his working career with American Express as an account manager. Dennis and Mary loved to travel, visiting such exotic places as Greece, Africa, China and the very chilly Antarctica. Together they were able to set foot on all seven continents, learning about the cultures of faraway places and sampling the local cuisine. Closer to home, he enjoyed volunteering his time for a number of different causes. Whether it was gathering empty ink cartridges or transporting an injured Great Horned Owl, Dennis had a very giving personality. He helped build houses in Alabama and New Zealand, helped locals prepare their taxes, and volunteered at the University of Minnesota Raptor Center. He loved reading the paper while drinking a cup of coffee, watching the evening news with a libation, cheering on the local football teams (go Vikings and Gophers) and playing rounds of golf with Mary (all over the world).

A special thank you to Lisa, RN, at Fairview Southdale Hospital for her compassion to Dennis and Mary. If you would like to honor Dennis' life, donations can be made to the University of Minnesota Raptor Center.

Visitation on Sunday, January 23rd from 2:00-4:00 pm and Visitation on Tuesday, January 25th from 10:00 am - 11:00 am followed by a Service at 11:00 am at SIMPLE TRADITIONS by BRADSHAW, 671 S. Snelling, St. Paul, MN. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Tuesday, January 25th at 12:30 pm.