George W. Johnson, age 90, of Cambridge, died on September 29, 2016 surrounded by his family. George was born on April 11, 1926, to A.W. and Aurelia (Engberg) Johnson. He was the youngest of three children.
George was an athlete in high school and played on the football, basketball and track teams. Shortly before graduating from Cambridge High School in 1944, he enlisted in the United States Navy. While serving his country, he reached out to another believer that was being harassed for his faith and they began studying the Bible together. George was honorably discharged in 1946 and began attending Bethel College and then Wheaton College. It was in college that he met the beautiful Shirley Viel from Syracuse, New York. After George graduated with a business degree in 1950, he married his sweetheart on December 29, 1951 and they made their home in Cambridge.
An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, George first joined the family business, The Leader Store. Throughout his life, he would see new needs in the community and begin businesses: The Furniture Studio in the late 50’s, The Scotsman in the mid 60’s, and later worked in the real estate business. George was a visionary and has been an inspiration to his children and grandchildren as they continue his legacy working with Impact of Minneapolis, which he founded.
Combining his business mind and his passion for God, George began READ Ministries that continues to this day spreading God’s Word to the people in Ukraine. He served and was committed to his church family at First Baptist Church and supported several local ministries.
George loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. In the last few years, he had to receive updates and “play by plays” on the phone when he was no longer able to attend and cheer for them in person. His grandchildren were so proud of their grandpa for diving off the high dive at Spectacle Lake in his 70’s! He always had time for his family, playing ping pong, tennis and any game they might suggest.
His love for his friends and wise counsel was invaluable to many. This was exemplified by the time he spent with his friends and by his weekly visits at GracePointe Crossings.
A devoted husband, George loved Shirley FOREVER and he was by her side until the very end. In his last few days, George spoke often of how blessed he was with such a wonderful wife, family, friends, caregivers and the Cambridge community.
George will be greatly missed by his wife of nearly 65 years, Shirley; his children, Jeff (Jan) Johnson of Isanti, Tim (Molly) Johnson of New Brighton, Maggie (Mark) Anderson of Arden Hills; his grandchildren, Emily (Kevin) Anderle, Hannah (Rob) Rounds, Greta, Spencer, and Samuel Johnson, Katie (Jake) Bruhnding, Bjorn (Anne) Anderson, Erik (Maggie) Anderson, Niklas and Lars Anderson; his great-grandchildren, William George, Kenneth, Luke, Shirley, Beau, Tripp, Cash, Maze, baby girl Bruhnding, and Solveig; he is also survived by his sister, Doris Eastlund of Cambridge; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Don (Jeanne); and his brother-in-law, Orley Eastlund.
A Celebration of George’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Cambridge with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Memorials are preferred to READ Ministries.
Arrangements are in the care of Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge. Online condolences can be shared at www.carlsonlillemoen.com.