Gary Raymond Johnson, age 64, passed away on September 11, 2021. Gary passed peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side.

Gary was born in Minneapolis, MN on January 24, 1957, to Barbara Ann Slagle and Raymond Leroy Johnson. Gary was one of 8 children and would tell you with that many kids at the table “You learn to eat fast!”

Gary was the ultimate sportsman and had an admirable passion for all things hunting and fishing. Gary trained his own hunting bird dogs and won many awards with them. He was proud of his work with the dogs and their accomplishments. Whether it was by foot, on horseback, in the mountains, down the rivers, over the hills or in the tallest tree in the deepest woods Gary was there. He enjoyed sharing stories of his many adventures. Gary was extremely proud to teach his daughters to hunt and enjoy his passion while Diane enjoyed being a camp cook.

Gary married the love of his life, Diane, on July 4, 1998, and together they created a life they loved. Soon after they married they started their first adventure and purchased a Bar/Restaurant in Pennington, MN. They named it Sweeties Bear Den after the nicknames they had for each other “My Sweetie” Since then they have continued to chase their dreams from MN to GA and again from MN to FL. Gary enjoyed many years 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, boating on the St.Croix River, winter trips to Mexico, and was most recently enjoying retirement, exchanging friendly sports banter, boating with Diane on the Gulf of Mexico, and maintaining his pool house paradise.

Gary is survived by his wife, Diane Johnson. Daughters: Shannon (Joe) Peterson, Lindsay (Lance) Gourley, Alicia (Nick) McCloskey, and 6 Grandchildren. Siblings: Debbie (Bruce) Johnson, Nancy (Mike) Przybilla, Chuck Johnson, Patty (Paul) Salkowski, Jeff (Amy) Johnson, Jodi Slagle, and Brad Slagle; 5 Nephews, 4 Nieces, and his beloved dogs, Jack and Mia. Gary is preceded in death by his Father, Raymond Leroy Johnson, and Mother, Barbara Ann Slagle

Gary loved his family and friends beyond measure. He had an infectious smile and contagious laugh. Gary was truly one of the “good guys”.  He was one of a kind – a true gem and will forever be missed. There will be a Celebration of Life held in Gary’s honor on October 10, 2021

American Legion Post 225

355 W Broadway Ave

Forest Lake, MN 55025

1:00PM – 5:00PM