Thomas "Whitey" Johnson

Thomas “Whitey” Johnson, age 88, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, at Augustana Nursing Home in Hastings.

Whitey was born on January 16, 1937, in Hastings, Minnesota, the beloved son of Agnes and Victor Johnson. He grew up in the community he loved and graduated from Hastings High School with the Class of 1955. A true Hastings fixture, Whitey spent much of his life serving his hometown and the people in it.

In 1962, Whitey fulfilled a lifelong dream when he owned and operated Johnson Standard gas station in Hastings. For more than two decades, until selling the business in 1985, his station was more than just a place to fuel up—it was a gathering spot, marked by friendly conversations, honest work, and Whitey’s ever-present smile. He later worked as a baggage handler for Northwest Airlines and also spent time mowing fairways and roughs at Hidden Greens Golf Course, a fitting job for a man who loved the game of golf.

On January 6, 1962, Whitey married the love of his life, Mary Ellen Quinn, at St. Philip’s Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. Together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and family.

Whitey enjoyed golfing, playing Keno, watching sports, traveling to the cabin, and, most of all, spending time with his family. He was known for his easygoing nature, genuine kindness, and a smile that could light up any room. He never raised his voice, never complained, and always met life with quiet joy and grace. Simply put, if you knew him, you loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Victor; and his siblings, Al (Pat), Swede (Dottie), Mary Ellen Staiger, and Dave.

Whitey will be deeply missed by his wife, Mary Ellen Johnson; daughters, Colleen (Dean) Truax, Kathy (Bruce) Kummer, Vicky (Dave) Bauer, and Ann (Tom) Rotty; grandchildren, Thomas (Kayla) Truax, Tori (Sam) Werner, David Truax, Bradley (fiancée Courtney Calai) Kummer, Brent (girlfriend Sarah Ethridge) Kummer, Nicholas (fiancée Lexi Gahnz) Kummer, Drew (Gabrielle) Bauer, Richie Bauer, Brooke (fiancé Billy Biskupski) Bauer, Chris (Jenna) Rotty, and Robert (fiancée Kailee Heinen) Rotty; great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Charlie Werner; Carson, Parker, Kori, and Scotti Kummer; and Walter, Clare, and Arthur Rotty; brother-in-law, Lloyd Staiger; sister-in-law, Rita Johnson; and many other relatives and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.

Whitey’s legacy of kindness, humility, and love will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.