Ronald "Ron" Johnson

Ronald R. Johnson, 90, of Willmar, died Tuesday, July 8 at Bethesda Club Suites in Willmar. His funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 13 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm, Saturday at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Ronald “Ron” Johnson was born November 10, 1934, to Ransom and Opal Johnson in Whitefield Township. When Ron was two years old, the family moved to rural Svea following the death of his father. He attended elementary school in Svea before his mom and he moved to Willmar. He graduated from Willmar High School with the Class of 1953.  Ron farmed in Whitefield Township with his Uncle Hans, raising cattle and grain, and later took over the family’s century farm.  On November 24, 1979, Ron was united in marriage to Jean (VerSteeg) Bonnema at Bethel Lutheran Church, and became a father to her eight children.  Following their retirement, Ron and Jean moved into Willmar.

Ron was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir for over 50 years, and also served on the several church committees.

While farming, he served on the REA Board, Whitefield Township Board and the Roseland Shippers Association Board. 

In his younger years, Ron enjoyed participating in sports, especially playing football for the Willmar Cardinals. Ron and Jean enjoyed following their grandchildren in their sporting events and were always their biggest fans.

Ron is survived by his wife, Jean; children: Brad Bonnema of Raymond; Greg (Cheryl) Bonnema of Prinsburg, Randy (Barb) Bonnema of Prinsburg, Sheila (Nathan) Rohne of Willmar, Susan Hinrichs of Clara City, Trudy Ryks of Clara City, Dan (Karin) Bonnema of W illmar, Phil Bonnema of Willmar; 24 grandchildren: Andrea (Derrick) Johnson, Jerrod (Michelle) Bonnema, Sarah (Jayme) Van Beek, Brent (Anna) Bonnema, Cora (Lukas) Radde, Brian Bonnema, April (Matt) Beerman, Carrie (Ryan) Moorlag, Becky (Brent) Geels, Kelsey (Dave) Heckman, Trisha Hubers (Jerrick Jenson), Adam (Bri) Rohne, Colin Rohne, Carlton Rohne, Isaac (Sarah) Hinrichs, Tyler (Kayla) Hinrichs, Austin (Kate) Hinrichs, Seth (Andrea) Hinrichs, Joshua (Claudia) Ryks, Justin Ryks (Elizabethe Goldhammer), Elizabeth (Paul) Schreiner, Andrew (Alicia) Bonnema, and Priscilla Bonnema; 49 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; longtime friend, Bob Gundershaug; and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Bruce Hinrichs, and grandson, Eric Bonnema.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.