Gilbert Johnson Jr.

Gilbert Johnson, 81, formerly of Windom, died Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay.

He was born on July 26, 1936 in Highwater Township in Cottonwood County, Minnesota to Gilbert Sr. and Luella (Solater) Johnson.  Gil grew up in Lamberton, and attended a one-room school 4 miles from his family’s farm. Gilbert enjoyed working and having adventures on the farm with his two brothers and had many stories from his childhood that he was very fond of. Seventh grade brought him to Lamberton High School, graduating in 1955. He worked for a year in Butterfield before entering the Army, serving for 2 ½ years based in Okinawa.  After his military service, he moved to Windom where he purchased a house.  In 1964, Gilbert married Diane Peterson and together they bought a farm north of Windom, where they raised their children and had a menagerie of animals. He had been employed by Wabasso Farm Bureau, Windom Farm Bureau, Hy-Pane, Cenex and Suburban Gas, and Nasby Companies before starting his own grain bin and dryer agri-business.  He also found time to help his children actively participate in the Dale Diggers 4-H club.
In May 1992 Gilbert survived a heart attack and stroke that left him with health challenges.  At this time he retired and enjoyed spending time with his six grandchildren.   In October 2010 Diane passed away and Gilbert moved to Two Harbors.

In his free time, Gilbert enjoyed camping, traveling, fishing, hunting, boating, and storytelling (about hunting and fishing).

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Diane; son, Travis; and brothers Marvin and Truman.

Gilbert is survived by children Lisa (Randy) McCloud of Eden Prairie, Tonya Muller of Windom, and Kevin (Jennifer) Johnson of Two Harbors; grandchildren Zachary and Mackenzie McCloud, Brittney Simon and Morgan Muller, and Will and Luke Johnson; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Simon; Sister-in-Laws Diane Johnson and Joann Johnson.

A memorial will be held September 9th with visitation at 9 AM, service at 11 AM at American Lutheran Church of Windom, MN. Burial will be in Resthaven Memory Gardens cemetery in Windom, Mn. Memorials are preferred.