Please click on the video tribute below to view Gary's memorial service.

Gary Dixon Johnson was born in McVille, ND on June 23, 1935 to John and Celia (Gunderson) Johnson.

He attended school in McVille enjoying basketball and baseball, going on to play a year of baseball at Minot State Teachers College before serving in the US Army in Europe as a medic from 1954-1956.

He married Doris Sundquist on September 1, 1958 in Aneta, ND. They raised their family in the Red River Valley choosing to retire in Twin Valley, MN.

Gary had a talent and love of sports playing organized softball well into his sixties, even challenging his grandsons to a backyard basketball game at 83. His love of music was central to the family as they gathered regularly around the piano with Gary playing guitar. Their large family was a source of pride; he regularly took the opportunity to share how many children they had, though it is likely no coincidence that his favorite verse was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Gary passed away Tuesday May 23, 2023 at the Halstad Living Center surrounded by loved ones, he was 87 years old.

He is preceded in death his parents, John and Celia; brothers, Roger and Harry; and daughter, Sarina. Gary is survived by his wife, Doris Johnson, Twin Valley, MN; children, Allison (Jeff) Lindgren, Cathay, ND, Darin (Cheryl) Johnson, Halstad, MN, Kari (Charles) Mayer, Motley, MN, Gregg (Jen) Johnson, Grand Forks, ND, and Nicole (Shaun) Thompson, Parker, CO; grandchildren, Mark, Alaina (Max), Sarah (Trent), Daniel, David, Heather (Lee), Christine, Derek, Devon, Aaron, Trevor, Samantha (Chase), Halley, Emily, Jacob (Azia), Matthew, and Sophia; and great grandchildren, Maxie, Casen, Kellen, Nadacia, Damon, Lauren, Amber, Brantley, Hayden, Leia, and Colt.

Gary will be remembered for his infectious smile, memorable laugh, and his genuine love for all people who he considered his brothers and sisters in Christ.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to:

The Alzheimer's Association at the link: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=51079&51079.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=giving_google&s_subsrc=giving_google&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjryjBhD0ARIsAMLvnF9SFJ4gftB7vawVoM3svBqujO50vLx0P8Dpj9NXJNQiBfL4EptMLlUaAoqqEALw_wcB

or Hospice of the Red River Valley at the link: https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=373eaf

Memorial Service: 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the memorial service at the church.

Please view our guestbook and share condolences online for the family.