Paul Marlin Johnson

Paul Marlin Johnson passed away peacefully in his home with his family by his side on March 18, 2025 at the age of 89. Through his life, love, and example, he was a blessing to all his family and friends.

Paul was born on January 8, 1936 to Eugene and Neva (Parker) Johnson in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, and in his early childhood lived above the store in Alpha, Wisconsin. He moved with his family, going to 10 different schools mostly in and around St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from North St. Paul High School in 1954. After graduation, he attended Northwestern College and then Northwestern Electronics. He was employed in diverse jobs ranging from Perkins Bros., Applebaums, Western Electric, MN Bureau of Fisheries, and as a guide in BWCA (Camp Widjiwagan), among others. He served in the US Air Force (Air National Guard) for 8 years, stationed in Alabama from 1961 - 1962. In 1959, he was employed at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, where he served in various roles from shipping, computer programming, and finally as a spiritual counselor until his retirement in 1999.

In St. Paul, he attended Hayden Heights Baptist Church. He developed a passion for reading the Bible and memorizing scripture. In Minneapolis, he was involved at the beginning in an inner city church, Community Bible Church, where he met his wife, Cecilia Kay (Larson) Johnson, and married on September 16, 1967. They moved to Pine City, Minnesota in 1971 where they built a home on the Snake River, originally living in rustic conditions. In Pine City, he was a member of Pine City Evangelical Free Church, where he served as an Elder, Awana leader, and Boys' Brigade leader. He enjoyed activities including bird-watching, gardening, fishing, and woodworking and his joy in these was passed to each of his four children. As a family, they also enjoyed the outdoors, going on many family camping and canoeing trips. In addition to his loving care for his children, Paul and Kay fostered over 40 children at their home, providing a welcoming family home. Through his activities in his work at BGEA, at church, and in his home, Paul influenced many lives through his faith in Jesus.

After his retirement from BGEA, Paul contributed to the local Pine City community through his work at Meals on Wheels and as a Master Gardener. He also helped found Journey North Church, where he was a member and Elder. He enjoyed spending time with his 11 grandchildren and sharing his knowledge, interests, and experience. Paul and Kay shared their home with many family and friends, hosting church services and baptisms, weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, cookouts, fishing outings, swimming and boating activities, and skating and ice-fishing in the winter. Paul and Kay were also involved in many small groups through church, and hosted many gatherings in their home. They enjoyed maintaining their yard and the "woods", which were a joy to share with all who visited their home. In addition to joy in his home, Paul enjoyed travels with family to see new places, including Arizona, Texas, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Australia.

Paul is survived by his wife, Cecilia Kay Johnson; children Kevin Johnson, Kari (Todd) Johnson, Nathan (Lisa) Johnson, Timothy (Sarah) Johnson; 11 grandchildren Elijah (Karen), Chloe (Logan), Eva, Jager, Jocelyn, Jasmine, Jesse, Jetta, Jordyn, Rowyn, and Junia; 2 great-grandchildren; sister Carmen (Allen) Zderad, brother James (Susan) Johnson and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father Eugene Johnson and mother Neva (Parker) Johnson.

All are invited to a celebration and memorial of Paul's life: 11 AM; Saturday, March 29 at Journey North Church, Pine City, MN with visitation one hour prior and luncheon to follow. Livestream of the service will be available at journeynorthchurch.com through the YouTube link.

Memorials may be directed to Samaritan's Purse (P.O. Box 3000; Boone NC 28607) https://samaritanspurse.org or Journey North Church (840 Main St. So. Pine City, MN 55063); https://www.journeynorthchurch.com

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City ~ Swanson Chapel

 www.FuneralAndCremationService.com