Ole Johnson was 87 years old, when he passed away on January 30, 2019, at St Francis Regional Medical Center, in Shakopee, MN. He was a long-time resident of Prior Lake, MN.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 3, from 1-4 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the Mass of Christian Burial Monday, February 4, at 11 am, at St Michael Catholic Church 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake. Father Jim Van Dorn will preside, with family acting as pall bearers. Military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake VFW Honor Guard. Ole will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, in Minneapolis, MN.

In Minneapolis, MN on January 16, 1932, Olaf Cliford was born to Albert and Olga (Nelsrud) Johnson. From his very first breath, he beat the odds, born premature. The doctors said he would not live, but Ole’s mother said otherwise. He was the baby brother to Arnie, Kenny, Jimmy, Mert, and Paul. Ole enjoyed playing trumpet in the school band and participating in gymnastics. He graduated from Minneapolis South High School.

Ole worked some odd jobs before he entered the United States Army. Ole proudly served his country, landing in Korean on Armistice Day. Returning from the service, he worked for Minneapolis Moline for many years. Ole then accepted a job at Bor-Son Company. Over the next 30 years, he proved to be a valued employee earning the position of superintendent, where he retired

At the age of 18, Ole’s co-worker introduced him to a beautiful young woman, Mary Darlene Butler, age 16. It was her grandpa that said to Ole, “I have someone you need to meet!” It just so happened to be Valentine’s Day. Ole asked Mary Darlene on a date. He presented her that night with a box of chocolates and they spent the evening at the movie theater. The rest of the story was history. They were married on February 24, 1954 in Mason City, Iowa and shared the next 64 years as husband and wife. Ole and Mary Darlene welcomed into their arms children of Carolyn, Becky, James and Darla.

The family first settled their roots in South Minneapolis, MN. In 1970, Ole purchased land in Prior Lake. His extended family thought he was crazy buying this property. However, Ole was determined to prove them wrong, he wanted to be a farmer! So, Ole first built a home and then later buildings to support the chickens, cows, ponies and sheep that he bought. He was so proud of being a hobby farmer, especially the countless hours driving the tractor in the field!

Ole lived a simple, yet full life. He and Mary Darlene enjoyed rode trips to visit family and traveling, especially to Hawaii, Florida, California and Jerusalem. Ole loved experiencing the wilderness in Canada, hunting moose, ducks and geese, along with many fishing excursions. He also enjoyed elk hunting in Idaho. Ole was committed to his community. He dedicated time assisting disabled veterans to and from appointments. For many decades, Ole honored fellow veterans in the Prior Lake Honor Guard. Through the years, he was a member of the Savage American Legion and a longtime member of the Prior Lake VFW.

Ole’s had amazing morals and values. He was successful, hardworking, and resourceful. Ole was genuine, kindhearted, and loyal. He was a supportive and loving husband, dad and grandpa. Ole’s legacy will continue to live on in his wife of 64 years, Mary Darlene; son, James (Jill) Johnson; daughters, Carolyn (Leo) Ganser, Becky (Michael Anderson) Johnson, Darla (Jim Tauer) Johnson; many, many grandchildren and great grandchildren; other family and friends.

There to welcome Ole home in eternal peace are his parents, Albert and Olga: siblings, Arnie (Inger) Johnson, Kenny Johnson, Jimmy (Ethel Mae) Johnson, Mert (Ralph) Johnson and Paul Johnson.

Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Johnson family.

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