Dennis "Denny" Donald Johnson

Dennis Donald "Denny" Johnson, age 87, passed on May 9, 2024 at his Eden Prairie residence. Denny, the eighth son of Claus and Gertrude Johnson, was born in Minneapolis on April 28, 1937. After Mpls Central high, he graduated from the U of M and attended graduated school at St. Cloud State. Denny loved music and paid his tuition by playing bass in a dance band. On June 17, 1961, he married the love of his life, Kathryn Morgan (Kathy). Denny was the Associate Director for Media Resources at the U of M for 35 years, receiving numerous accolades including the Dean's Award for Individual Achievement in 1999. Denny was a member of the Swedish Institute, serving as its President as well as President of Svenska Salmskapet. His creative talents were on display designing and building floats as owner of Parade Productions, Inc. For decades at the Minnesota State Fair he sold Hot Dogs on a Stick and after retirement, worked with the fair's administration. Denny and Kathy loved entertaining, hosting family and friends at many dinners and celebrations (with aquavit!). Denny enjoyed traveling especially to Sweden, wood working and gardening. Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers Arnold, Robert, Arthur, James, Burton, Charles and Richard. Surviving him are his wife Kathy, sister-in-laws Barb and Bernie, and many nieces and nephew. The celebration of Denny's well lived life will be on May 15 at St. David's Episcopal Church, 13000 Saint Davids Rd, Minnetonka, MN 55305. Visitation begins at 10, service at 11, with a luncheon following. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to St. David's or the Swedish Institute.