Larry Johnson

Larry Glenn Johnson, 64, died peacefully Saturday, January 1, 2011 in St. Mary's Medical Center with his family lovingly by his side.

Larry was born March 7, 1946 to Bjarne and Gladys (Morris) Johnson in Duluth, and grew up in Grand Marais, Minnesota where he graduated from Cook County High School in 1964. After attending Vocational School to learn the electrician's trade, Larry was employed by Minnesota Power as a Journeyman lineman, lead lineman and a trouble-shooter lineman. In 2004 he retired after 35 years of loyal service, always proud to have been a MP employee. During his career he was also a very active member of I.B.E.W. Local # 31, serving as it's president and executive board member. He also enjoyed lobbying for workers rights. He was very dedicated to the company and to the union and was very respected for his honesty in dealing with issues. He also volunteered for the United Way, Duluth Area Family Services and other organizations throughout his career.

Larry met his wife Marlene Maruska while he was living in Duluth and they were married on June 13, 1970. They purchased a home in Woodland, where they enjoyed their lives with their children and many neighborhood friends.

An avid outdoorsman, Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling, down-hill skiing, hiking and especially time at the cabin with his wife, family and friends. This was a special place that was homesteaded by his grandfather, John Morris, and a place that was near and dear to his heart. Larry also had a special group of friends from St. Louis, Missouri with whom he loved to spend time with at Wilson Lake. They shared many fun times fishing and snowmobiling. He was a proud member of the "I Follow Bob Snowmobile Club" which this group of friends formed.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant son Christopher John Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife Marlene, precious daughters Kerri (Chris) Olson of Ely, MN, Stacey (Denis) Kodjo of Golden Valley, MN, and a very special grandson, Eli Christopher Olson, sisters Sally Nelson and Kathleen Johnson of Grand Marais, and Virginia Johnson of Duluth. Larry is also survived by a friend that was like a son to him, Jeff (Bobbi) Kirsch. Larry also considered their children Benjamin and Sydney to be his grandchildren and they shared wonderful times together.

Larry will be deeply missed by his caring family and all of his wonderful friends who will always carry his love of life in their hearts.

Larry's wife Marlene and family would like to thank Pastor John Sippola, Sister Sue Fortier and everyone for all the many, many prayers and loving support that was so sincerely bestowed on Larry and family.

Visitation will be from 10:30 until the 11:30 service on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. To sign the on-line register book please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.