Williard Johnson

Willard Charles Johnson passed away on September 23, 2022 at Lakewood Hospital in Baudette, MN. Willard was born January 31, 1933 in Onamia, MN to William and Camilla Johnson.

The Johnson family moved to Ohio when Willard was a toddler and would call home for the next 35 years. Willard graduated from high school in Raymond, OH in 1951 and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Willard drove truck, traveling all across the country and farmed in Union County, OH. Willard married Rebecca “Becky” Rhoads on December 22, 1957. Willard and Becky began their journey in Marysville, OH with three children, Jeff, Tim and Tracey before moving to Baudette, MN in 1972. Willard and Becky bought Twin River Resort and became part of the resort community. They sold Twin River Resort in 1991; Willard then drove pulp truck until his retirement. He and Becky spent the winter months in Naples, FL where they acquired a retirement home that once belonged to Becky’s parents. Summers were spent on Rainy River fishing with friends and family. Winters were spent fishing on an inlet of Rookery Bay with friends and neighbors of the Holiday Manor community.

When Willard wasn’t wearing his fishing hat, he put his hands to work making diamond willow walking sticks, tending to his gardens, canning and baking, and welcoming chickadees on the porch to eat seed out of his palm. Willard and Becky cherished moments with their grandchildren and supported them in school activities and sports by attending as many events as they could by traveling all over Minnesota.

Willard is survived by his wife, Becky, sons, Jeff (Val) Johnson and Tim Johnson and daughter, Tracey (Rod) Krohn, eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his five siblings.

A Funeral Service for Willard will be held at Wabanica Lutheran Church in Baudette on Monday, October 3rd at 11am with a visitation an hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be contributed to the local Take A Kid Fishing.