Ronald A. Johnson

Ronald A. Johnson, age 62, of Brainerd, passed away at his home on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. A visitation for Ron will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 25 at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be at the Fornshell Bus Garage, 4152 MN-210, Pillager, MN on Saturday, September 26 from 1-4 p.m.

Ron was born on January 19, 1958 to Alton and Calma (Exe) Johnson in Brainerd.

Ron enjoyed many things in life. His greatest joy was his family. From traveling with his wife, to hunting with his son and daughters, to racing with his son and grandsons, to his favorite activity of spoiling his grandkids. His days were filled with precious memories of sharing his time with those he loved. He also devoted time to his friends and neighbors. From the early days of catching up on the daily news with neighbors at the Chatterbox, to hanging in the pits at many dirt tracks helping any racers he could. To using his ace mechanic skills to help someone in need, to the endless hours spent plowing driveways to keep his neighbors safe, Ron was always a busy guy. He’d give you grief one minute and give you the shirt off his back the next. All you had to do was look at Ron to know the true meaning of “Random Acts of Kindness”.

Ron’s recent medical condition was not the first one he’s ever dealt with. He has faced some very challenging health issues in the past. He never permitted them to rule his life, he dealt with them and moved forward living every moment to the fullest. He taught many of us a valuable lesson in what it means to have a positive outlook on life. He’d want all of us to remember that when life gives us a second chance, we shouldn’t hesitate, we should go for it.

Rarely does life bless us with the likes of Ronnie Johnson. Ron will always be remembered for his twinkling eyes, his eternal smile, his love of joking around, and the biggest heart most of us have ever experienced. None of us were ready to share this teddy bear of a man with the angels above. He is going to be greatly missed by all.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Elaine Japp Johnson; his children, Crystal (Tom), Timothy (Jennifer), Ronda (Al), and Janelle; grandchildren, Jaeger, Dawson, Andrew, Abby, Hannah, Brody, Addy, Elly, and Lily; foster grandchildren, Jessica and Kassandra; foster great-grandchild, Gabby; brothers, Richard, Robert, and David. Extended family, Eric, Kristi and boys. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Calma, his brother, John, his sister, Linda.

Arrangements have been completed by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd.