Gregory Allan Johnson

Gregory Johnson Obituary

Captain Gregory Allan Johnson, 75, of Bemidji, MN died of natural causes on November 23rd, 2024 while on a deer hunting weekend with family and friends. Greg, a retired United Airlines Captain, was born June 13th, 1949 to Norma and Harold (Hal) Johnson in Duluth, Minnesota. He attended Richfield High School and excelled in golf. Upon graduating from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Civil Engineering and a minor in History, Greg completed United States Air Force Officer Training and earned his pilot wings in 1971. During the Vietnam War, Johnson flew 9 combat missions in the C130 gunships. He later transferred to C-141 cargo planes and flew many years in the Reserves and National Guard. Greg married schoolteacher Janet Rugroden of Lino Lakes in Scandia, MN on July 23rd, 1977. The couple lived in Coleraine where Greg started a bait and tackle shop with his dad, Hal.  Around that time, Greg and his dad also bought a 3-1/2 acre island on Lake of the Woods near Morson, Ontario. In 1979, Greg returned to flying for the California Reserves and worked as a Flight Manuals Engineer for Lockheed Aircraft Company. In 1982 he and wife Janet moved to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia where he started working for Saudi Arabian Airlines. In 1984, they moved back to the US as he was hired by Continental Airlines and the couple was expecting their first child. Greg flew commercially for 30 years with Continental and United Airlines. He was an outdoorsman and hunter throughout his life and enjoyed playing Cribbage.  Greg ran competitively for many years and wore out dozens of sneakers. He also had an affinity for reading as you could always catch him enjoying a good book or encouraging others to enjoy some of his favorite recommendations. He loved all sports and was an athlete; he would often surprise you with his crafty wit and nimble abilities.  He was an amazing golfer and yet he took the most satisfaction in teaching the game and sharing the games that he loved with other people. Greg loved spending time with his best friend and wife Janet, his three children, and 11 grandchildren. He had a group of childhood friends that coined the name “the Richfield Boys” and loyally maintained those friendships throughout their entire lives along with countless other friendships he made along the way. Greg’s greatest blessing and Privilege was raising “gifts” of three awesome children whom he adored and loved spending time with. Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Hal and Norma Johnson, his sister Diane. Greg is survived by his wife Janet, brother Gary (Debbie) Johnson and nephew Paul Johnson, children, Kiryn (Jimmy) Trask, Erik (Joslin) Johnson, and Heidi (Michael) Wixom and grandchildren Riley, Owen & Avery Trask, Annika, Sawyer, Maisy, Clara, & Bodie Johnson, Abilene, Leawn, & Lily Wixom.  Greg had a generous heart to his family, friends and church.  He was passionate to pursue learning about his Savior over the years and a relaxed life in Minnesota afforded him time to do so by attending several weekly studies and making wonderful Christian friends.  Greg believed in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He recognized his sinful nature and knew that salvation was through faith in Christ alone, by grace alone. Today, he stands in the presence of our Lord and in that we find peace and joy.   

Donation are preferred in lieu of flowers to Greg’s favorite “cause” FBR (Free Burma Rangers) at freeburmarangers.org.  Greg's family has an ongoing connection with the oppressed people of Burma.  Kiryn is in Burma delivering much needed medical supplies the conflict has increased greatly.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, June 28th, 2025, at Grand Rapids Evangelical Free Church with a visitation time starting at 2:00 PM.  The service will be live streamed on Youtube.com/@grandrapidsevangelicalfree6072/stream  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Aitkin.  www.srtfuneral.com

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