Roland "Swede" Johnson

Roland “Swede” Johnson, 91, of Willmar, MN died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service celebrating Swede’s life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at a later date in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church or CentraCare - Rice Hospice. Please leave a memory of Swede and sign his online guestbook at www.hafh.org/obituary/Roland-Johnson

He was born February 11, 1933, to Arthur and Ester (Anderson) Johnson, growing up in Shafer, MN, on the family’s dairy farm. After graduating from Taylors Falls High School in 1951, Swede enrolled at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agronomy in 1955 and served as a teaching assistant in agronomy while working on his masters until 1957. In addition to his studies, this is where Swede created lifelong friendships, made unforgettable memories, and met his wife, Marilyn (Holton) Johnson, whom he married on August 3, 1957. From 1957 to 1960, Swede taught veterans on-farm instruction in Brewster, MN. From 1960 to 1963, he was a territory manager for Doughboy Feeds in New Richmond, WI. From 1963 to 1969, Swede worked for Supersweet Feeds as a turkey territory manager as well as a hatchery manager of two different hatcheries, one in Chariton, IA and the other in Worthington, MN. Swede began his teaching career at Willmar Technical College in October of 1969 where he taught and served as the department head until his retirement on June 30, 1995. Throughout his career and personal life, Swede earned various outstanding awards for his accomplishments such as: Minnesota Agriculture Teacher of the Year, Honorary American Farmers Degree, WCCO Good Neighbor, the FFA Blue and Gold Award, the Honorary EARTH Award, and the University of Minnesota Agriculture Hall of Fame. Once retired, Swede spent his time doing all of his favorite things. He enjoyed being an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church and serving as its President of Council and an usher, golfing with the Geezers, brewing beer, and spending time with his family, friends, and neighbors. Most notably, Swede spent countless hours in his woodworking shop where he built beautiful pieces for his loved ones and the church. Some of the projects he was most proud of were: Faith Chests that each child baptized at the church received, the Baptismal Fount, the Christ Candle, the Advent Candelabras, and assisting with the redesign of the choir loft and organ area.

Swede is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; children: Lyle (Betsy) Johnson of Saint Cloud and Lisa (George) Spanjers of Naples, FL; granddaughters: Courtney Mehus of Eagan and Kira Mehus of Lakeville; siblings: Norman (Carol) Johnson of Tucson, AZ, David (Patricia) Johnson of Inver Grove Heights and sister-in-law, Joan Johnson of Lindstrom; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two siblings: Sumner Johnson and Ronald Johnson; and his nephew, Reid Johnson.

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