Daryl Johnson

Daryl D. Johnson, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved choral director of Two Harbors, MN died peacefully on his 94th birthday 2021, in Two Harbors.

Mr. Johnson was born April 9, 1927, in Fergus Falls, Minn., to Julius P. and Alma Leines Johnson.

Mr. Johnson received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Concordia College, under the direction of Paul J. Christiansen and a Masters of Music at the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Johnson was well regarded for the impact he had on the lives of the hundreds of students he taught at Two Harbors High School for 32 years and the community who attended their annual concerts during his tenure as director.

The love of choral music that he instilled in his students resulted in the founding of the Two Harbors Community Choir after his retirement.  Later he conducted “Superior Sound”, a 24-voice choir which entertained at community events and churches in the North Shore Region

A composer and arranger of numerous choral compositions, Mr. Johnson’s original Christmas composition “O Have Ye Not Known” was released by Don Moen, Christian music producer, and former alum of the Two Harbors Concert Choir, on Moen’s album “Christmas: Season of Hope” in 2012.

Mr. Johnson was active for several years in the North Shore Barbershop Choir. He and good friend Jerry Carlson were the founding members of what was known as the Route 61 quartet, which entertained audiences in the area for several years.

In addition, Mr. Johnson owned and operated Johnson Piano Service, tuning pianos for loyal customers for over 50 years.

In 2006, Daryl’s family created the Daryl D. Johnson Family Foundation.  Proceeds from the endowment are intended for the benefit of area students pursuing educational opportunities in the field of music.

Mr. Johnson was involved in the community as a member of the Two Harbors Rotary Club, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church as a trustee and President and the Two Harbors Star City program.  He also directed the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Choir for 17 years and conducted the Minnesota High School All Lutheran Choir.  For his contributions to the community Mr. Johnson received the chamber of commerce Citizen of the Year award in 2012.

Surviving are his daughters, Patty Amundsen, Ham Lake, MN, Barbara (James) Cummings, Brooklyn, NY; and sons, Douglas (Mary) C. Johnson, Anthem, AZ and Jeff (Debra) P. Johnson, Pensacola, FL.; grandchildren, Chance (Katie) Amundsen, Sommer (Jon) Huffmaster, Michael Johnson, Caleb Cummings, Jesse Daryl Johnson and Maani Ekka; and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother Marlowe.

Memorial gifts may be made in Mr. Johnson’s name to the Daryl D. Johnson Family Foundation, 3655 W. Anthem Way, Suite A109 Box 396, Anthem, AZ  85086.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday May 22, 2021 at Superior Shores Resort - 1521 Superior Shores Drive, Two Harbors. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Two Harbors.  COVID Protocols will be followed.