Russell Dean Johnson

Reverend Russell Dean Johnson, 83, of Woodbury, formerly of Duluth, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 with his loving family by his side. Russell was born on June 6, 1930 in Duluth to John and Clara Johnson. He was raised in Duluth and graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1948. He graduated from UMD in 1952 and Bethel Seminary in 1955. Russell married Barbara Olson on June 17, 1956 in the Duluth Bethel Baptist Church. He started as a pastor and missionary, positions he held for 5 years and then worked as a social worker for Ramsey County until his retirement. Russell was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Maplewood for many years, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Russell was preceded in death by a brother, H. Glendon Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of Woodbury; son, Steve (Sherri) Johnson of Waterboro, Maine; daughters, Suanna (Dr. Scott) Johnson and Naomi Larson both of Duluth, Sara (John) Printy of Woodbury, Chrissy (Rev. Rob) Nelson of Niles, Illinois; 18 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 in Lakeview Covenant Church, 1001 Jean Duluth Road, Duluth. Burial was in Park Hill Cemetery in Duluth.