Obituary/Gary Luke Johnson, 63

Our beloved, Gary Luke Johnson unexpectedly passed away on October 8, 2024, at the age of 63.

Gary was born to Norman and Sophie (Woinarowicz) Johnson at Karlstad Memorial Hospital on December 22, 1960. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and was a member of the St. Edwards Catholic Church, Karlstad. Gary and his five siblings were raised on the family homestead west of Karlstad, MN. 

Gary graduated with the class of 1979 from Karlstad High School. There he met the love of his life, Paula, at a school dance. Gary and Paula (Novacek) were united in marriage on February 2, 1980, at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Greenbush, MN. They were blessed with 44 wonderful years of marriage. Gary and Paula made their home in Karlstad, MN, where together they raised their four children, Tony, Brent, Nikki, and Jason.

One of Gary’s first jobs was working with his father and brother, Myron, with Johnson Well-Drilling followed by a brief time farming small grains. He worked at the Karlstad and surrounding grain elevators for many years before purchasing a small building on the East side of Karlstad in 1997. This building was purchased to pursue his dream of being a business owner. Gary’s business started out offering sandblasting, painting, and mechanic work. This grew into what is known today as Johnson Paint and Repair. Here is where he continued working, with his family, for the remainder of his life. The shop became a well-known place within the community of Karlstad and became a gathering place to socialize. Gary always made himself available to his family and community and was happy to help anyone in need. He was very involved within the community of Karlstad and was also a long-time member of the Deerwood Township board. 

He raced on the dirt track circuit for many years, which instilled the love of racing in his family. Gary spent countless hours working on racecars throughout the years. He found great joy in helping his friends and family excel in the sport of racing. In his spare time, Gary enjoyed gardening, working on the hunting land, and going for ranger rides with his wife, Paula, and their grandchildren. His grandkids were his pride and joy. He had a special relationship with each of them and was an active part of their lives. Gary will always be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, and contagious smile.

He is survived by his loving wife, Paula; 4 children and 12 grandchildren, Tony Johnson of Karlstad, MN, and his children: McKenzee, Alex, Zach, and Lucas; Brent (Emily) Johnson of Lake Bronson, MN, and their children: Bowyn and Vylla; Nikki (Daniel) Stusynski of Karlstad, MN, and their children: Carson, Caitlyn, Caylee, and Carter; Jason (Nowell) Johnson of Karlstad, MN, and their children: Knox and Finley; his siblings: Wyman (Linda) Johnson of Hastings; Judy (Denny) Mager of Grand Rapids, MN; and Brad (Sherry) Johnson of Karlstad, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Myron Johnson; sister, Geri Benitt; and brothers-in-law, Mitch Novacek, Terry Novacek, Mark Agre, and Bruce Benitt.

A funeral service will be held at Assumption Catholic Church in Florian, MN, on Saturday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. A visitation and prayer service will be held at the church the night before from 6:00-8:00 a.m with prayers at 7:00 p.m. Interment will be in Karlstad City Cemetery.