Kenneth R. Johnson 92, of Duluth, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Elysian Senior Homes. Ken was born in Duluth on March 24, 1930 to Edward and Lempi Johnson. Ken graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1949 and married Barbara Larson on June 14, 1952 at St. James Catholic Church.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949 until 1952. He worked as an aircraft inspector with the MN 148th Air National Guard for 30 years, retiring in 1985. He continued to work for the MN A.N.G. as part of the State staff out of St. Paul, until permanently retiring in 1990.

Ken and Barb spent many years traveling together and wintered in Yuma, AZ for over 20 years. Ken was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 6783, where he served as financial secretary; he was a volunteer and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s/Essentia Health for 25 years, was a member of Lake Avenue Loafers, and The American Legion, Post 71. Ken loved the outdoors and enjoyed trips to the BWCA, cross-country skiing, golfing, and watching sporting events, especially his grandkids playing a variety of sports.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bob and Rollie. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Nancie (Chet) Thomas, Craig (Deb) Johnson, Lori (Brian) Peterson, and Kenneth Jr. (Susie) Johnson; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren with another one expected in October. Ken’s family was his greatest treasure.

The family would like to thank the staff at Elysian Senior Homes and Kindred Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, May 6, 2022 at St Lawrence Catholic Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd, Duluth, MN 55811. Visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association, https://act.alz.org