Ronald Nels Johnson Sr.

Ronald Nels Johnson, Sr. was born on November 26, 1940 in Alexandria, Minnesota, one of three children of Chester and Clara (Fritz) Johnson. Ronald was the middle child; the oldest of a set of twins. He attended elementary school in Miltona and graduated from Central High School in Alexandria in 1958. After high school Ronald moved to the Twin Cities and worked for one year before joining the Unites States Navy. He served his country from 1960 to 1964 aboard the USS Henderson in the boiler room. He was honorably discharged as a petty officer. On June 3rd of 1967, Ronald married Esther Heldt and together they raised eight children. Ronald worked road construction for a few years for two different companies; McLaughlin and Schultz and B G Construction, before he and Esther bought the Hideout Bar. Together the couple owned and operated the bar turned restaurant for seventeen years, until selling the establishment in 1989. Through the years of owning their business, Ron and Esther acquired many friends. The Hideout continues to be a fond memory that people talk about. After selling the restaurant, the couple moved to Brandon, Minnesota and Ronald worked for Juno Tool and Plastics for thirteen years until retirement. He enjoyed being a stock car pitman for Jerry Geris. Among other activities he enjoyed were camping, fishing, deer hunting, bowling and golf. Ronald is also remembered for his love of country western music and Elvis Presley. Ronald’s older brother Dwaine remembers that his brother was always on the move; he was always attending an event or heading somewhere to meet someone. As a father he was affectionate and enjoyed teasing his children and grandchildren. Ronald worked side by side every day with the love of his life Esther. He had a private, yet solid faith and relationship with God that carried him throughout his seventy four years. Ronald died and went to heaven on Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the Bethany Home. He is preceded in death by his wife, Esther Johnson; his parents, Chester and Clara Johnson; twin brother, Donald Johnson; and niece, Karen Ebersole. He is survived by his children, Brenda Lynn and husband, Robert, Debbie Quernemoen and husband, Loren, Diane Danielson and husband, Steve, Geri Lewis, Gary Larson and wife, Kim, Tommy Larson and wife, Gail, Ronald “Bubba” Johnson Jr. and wife, Shelly, and Susan Johnson; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grand-children; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Dwaine Johnson; sister-in-law, Erika Johnson and many nieces and nephews.

Ronald Nels Johnson Sr.

November 26, 1940 - November 24, 2015