Gerald “Jerry” Wallace Johnson, age 82, passed away November 27th at GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, December 4th at Strike Life Tributes in Isanti. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Isanti Union Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Isanti VFW.
Jerry was born in Minneapolis and raised in Hayward, Wisconsin. Jerry proudly served three years in the United States Navy before beginning his lifelong career as a sign painter and designer. His talent, creativity and dedication led him to open Jerry’s Sign Shop, which he operated until his retirement.
He had an incredible gift for craftsmanship, and in retirement he continued creating – not only rustic wooden signs but countless handmade items including birdhouses, hope chests, children’s tables, blanket ladders, crosses, walking sticks, and leather goods. Making art was not just a profession – it was part of who he was. He loved spending time in his garage, where he loved to “putz’, always organizing and everything had its place. His generosity was constant, supporting many charities each month and his strong faith guided everything he did.
During his years in the nursing home following a stroke, Jerry devoted himself to what he called his own “missionary work” offering comfort, prayer and companionship to residents and staff. He made a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Jerry loved animals, the outdoors, camping “the right way”, relaxing at the cabin and being out on his fishing boat. He also enjoyed spending winters in Arizona creating homemade postcards, doing crosswords, cooking and enjoying the sunshine.
Above all else, Jerry was devoted to his family. They were the heart of his world and would do anything for them. His kindness, generosity, humor and gentle spirit made him truly “one in a million” and a man with a heart of gold.
Jerry is survived by separated wife, Jean Johnson; devoted companion, Cathy Patterson; children, David (Michelle), Steven (Amy) and Sharon (Greg); grandchildren, Sarah (Jimmy), Ryan (Jade), Chelsey (Anthony), Katie (Nate), Brandon, Alyssa, Dustin, Brooke, Alanna, Ricki Lynn, Robert, Michael, Mia, Lexi; many great-grandchildren; sister, Emily McDonald; other relatives and friends.
He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
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