Wayne Dale Johnson the 6th of 12 children, was born to Eddie and Anna Johnson (Grindeland) on January 20th, 1936. The coldest day of the year according to his brothers and sisters. Like his older siblings he was born on the Johnson Family Homestead west of Thief River Falls on Highway 1. He was baptized and confirmed as an adult at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Wayne grew up on the family farm and attended North Star School until the eighth grade.

As a young man he worked as a farm laborer for the Skomedal family. He moved to Grand Forks to work at Dakota Maid Mill for his Uncle Sam. Wayne often talked about throwing 100 pound bags of flour all day long while weighing only 120 pounds himself. Uncle Sam also gave him his start as a truck driver.

On May 7th 1961, Wayne married the love of his life Dian (Rustan) Johnson. To this union was born Marty, Terry, and Roxanne. Wayne and Dian moved back to Thief River Falls shortly after their marriage. Wayne went to work at Midland Consumers Coop as a Truck Driver. Wayne drove for Stordahl Truck Lines, Hartz Foods, and Hartz Truck Lines. He also owned and managed J's Corner Bar in McIntosh for nine years. Wayne retired from Hartz Truck Line at age 62.

Wayne was a very social person. His smile could light up a room and he loved to tease. He enjoyed visiting over a cup of coffee and a cookie. He loved all animals and owned several during his life. He had horses, calves, chickens, turkeys, Canadian honkers, and many dogs and cats. He considered himself a horseman and was thought of as a cowboy by family members. He was a very hard worker and respected everyone that shared his work ethic. Wayne was a lifelong hunter and avid outdoorsman.

In his retirement, He was always mowing, plowing snow, working on projects, or hunting. He loved his family very much including his church family, Biff's crew, Eagle's and Elk's brothers, and all of his hunting and fishing companions. He had many lifelong friends that were very special to him. Wayne was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, TRF Eagle's Club, Elk's Lodge #1308, and several wildlife organizations. This year at 85 years old Wayne shot a Whitetail buck and doe.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Dian, sons Marty (Lisa) Johnson, Terry (Cindy) Johnson, daughter Roxanne Johnson, grandchildren Taylor, Ethan, Erin, Dakota, and Ashleigh Johnson. Sisters Jeanette Olson, Betty Noto, Sharon (Bob) Benson, brother Larry (Sandy) Johnson, sisters-in-law Lila Johnson, Lola Wiskow, brothers-in-law Manny Noto, Bill Schriver, Brad Rustan, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Earl, Don, Delores, Lyle, Arlene, James, and Judy, brothers-in-law LeRoy Lokken, Vern Wavra, Don Olson, Wally Wiskow, sisters-in-law Marge Johnson, Judy Johnson, and Rita Johnson, nephews Glen Johnson and Brian Wavra.

Wayne Dale Johnson was called to his eternal home early Friday morning the 10th of December 2021 with his loving daughter by his side. May his memory be blessed.

The funeral service to celebrate Wayne's life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, December 20, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Eric Miller officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM with a 4:00 PM prayer service on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Burial will be at Park Ridge Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls, MN.