Russell W. Johnson

Russell Wallace Johnson, 87, of Hastings, MN passed away peacefully on December 10, 2011 at Regina Medical Center with family by his side. Russell was born May 24, 1924 in Bock, MN to Swan and Charlotte Johnson. He married Joyce Gilbertson on Oct 29, 1949 at Glendorado Lutheran Church, Glendorado, MN. Together they had 3 children, Cindy (Norb) Reinardy, LeRoy (Marge) Johnson, and Char Johnson, all of Hastings, MN. Russell grew up and attended school in Bock, MN. In his early years he ran the family farm. In 1953 Russell moved his family to Reykjavik, Iceland where he worked for the Corp of Engineers. In 1957 Russell and Joyce moved their family and made their home in Hastings, MN. Here he operated the Midtown Philips 66 gas station on the corner of 12th and Vermillion Streets. From there Russ "Ole" went to work for Milwaukee Motors Teamster's Union #120 until retirement.Russell is survived by his wife Joyce; 3 children; 7 grandchildren, Nikki Reinardy, Lennea (Nate) Marxhausen, Andrea Reinardy, Reshia Thurmas, Matthew Thurmas, Stephanie (Jake) Schweich, Clay Johnson and 2 great grandchildren Lilly Schweich and Hannah Marxhausen; sister Irene Iler of Mora, MN and sister-in-law Kristjana Johnson of New Ulm, MN. Russell is also survived bymany nieces, nephews and friends. Russell was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bert Johnson and brother-in-law Earl Iler. Celebration of Russell�s life will be on Wednesday December 14th 2011 at Our Saviour�s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 West 9th Street, Hastings, MN at 11:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM.