Gregory Wayne Johnson

Gregory Wayne Johnson of Litchfield passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016, after a long battle with cancer. Greg was born on August 14, 1954, to Ray and Viola Johnson in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was baptized October 17, 1954, at Zion Lutheran Church and confirmed on June 1, 1969. He attended Litchfield High School and graduated in 1972. Greg married the love of his life, Heidi (Nelson), on June 12, 1976, at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Together they raised two children, and Greg pursued a long career in bridge construction. He worked on many of Minnesota's roadways for Lunda Construction, and also maintained construction equipment as a mechanic for Lunda until his retirement in 2011. When he wasn't working, Greg was usually busy with home improvement projects, yard work or doing a favor for somebody. Greg enjoyed many sports. He served as a bantam and peewee hockey coach and referee for Litchfield Youth Hockey and he liked watching NASCAR races or NFL games on the weekends. Heading to the Twin Cities for a Twins or Vikings game was a special treat. In recent years, he took fishing trips with his brothers-in-law and son to Rainy River and Leech Lake. Greg will be remembered for his ready smile, his ability to talk with anyone, his helpful and kind gestures and his sense of humor. While working part-time for Meeker County Transit, Greg was happiest when meeting new people and chatting with them on his local route. Greg was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, his son Jesse (Sarah) Johnson and grandchildren Paizli and Hilton Johnson, Litchfield; daughter Dusti (Brian) Berglund and their puppy Oliver, Litchfield; sisters Renva Lindquist, Dassel, and Sandy Grove, Alexandria; and many family members and friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield with family prayer time at 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Monday, December 12, at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, with interment at Lake Ripley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be son Jesse Johnson, brother-in-law Andrew Nelson, son-in-law Brian Berglund, brother-in-law Tim Nelson, and best friends Doug Decker, Steve Johanneck and Fred Lalonde. Previous Events Visitation Sunday, December 11, 2016 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM First Evangelical Lutheran Church 703 Sibley Avenue S Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Monday, December 12, 2016 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM First Lutheran Church 703 South Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 Visitation Monday, December 12, 2016 11:45 AM Riplely Cemetery 316 Sibley Avenue South Litchfield, MN 55355