Byron Karl Johnson

Byron K. Johnson, age 78 of Litchfield died on Friday, February 23, 2018, at the Meeker Manor in Litchfield. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, March 1st, at the church and one hour prior to the service. Byron Karl Johnson, the son of Carl and Ethel (Johnson) Johnson, was born on February 10, 1940 in Stillwater, MN. He lived the first 10 years of life on a farm near Marine on the St. Croix. After the death of his mother in 1950 moved to North St. Paul to live with his father, grandmother Cecelia and his sisters. He graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1958. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army as a medic, stationed in Germany. Byron returned to Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota graduating in 1965 with a degree in math education. While at the U of M, Byron worked at the Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul where he met Karen Evans. They were married in Comfrey, MN on August 29, 1964. Following graduation they moved to Graceville where he taught math and social studies and assisted in coaching basketball and football. They moved to Seattle in 1966 and he worked for Boeing Aircraft. A year later they moved back to Minnesota and he taught seventh grade math and coached basketball in Marshall. They moved to Aitkin in 1970 where he taught math at all secondary levels until his retirement in 1998. He coached basketball and girls tennis. While raising his family in Aitkin, he was an active member of First Lutheran singing in the choir, serving on council, doing the Christmas Eve luminaries and serving as youth league advisor. He and Karen moved to Little Falls in 2005 and then Litchfield in 2007. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, serving on the church council, lay ministry, parish health committees, and being a mentor. He was also a member of OWLS and the Litchfield Lions. Byron enjoyed camping, cross country skiing, biking and reading. He loved being with his family, watching his grandchildren’s activities, watching the Gophers and Twins, attending/supporting local sporting events, and talking about politics, religion or sports. He was a gentle soul who loved being around people. He is survived by his wife Karen Johnson of Litchfield; daughters Lisa (Jim) Ciolkosz of Maplewood, Amy (Chris) Davis of New Ulm, Katy (Jordan) Snider of Litchfield; grandchildren McKenna, Maddie and Kierra Ciolkosz, Isaac and Keenan Davis, Fauberson and Jonas Snider. He is also survived by his sisters Nancy (John) Peterson of Edina, Beth (Kenneth) Roering of Minneapolis, Cheryl (Timothy) Bergien of Detroit Lakes. Brothers and sisters-in-laws Barry (Sandy) Evans, Randy (Jeanette) Evans, Natalie (Max) Seim and Annette (Jim) Barnes. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials are preferred. .