Earl Johnson Obituary Earl Deane Johnson passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of December 1st, 2023 at Essentia Health St. Josephs Medical Center in Brainerd, MN. He had been hospitalized just days prior with acute renal failure. His family was by his side constantly in the days preceding his death, providing comfort as he prepared for his departure. Earl was born on November 28th, 1936 in the tiny town of Truman, MN, the twelfth of 14 children born to Lewis and Rachel (Beedle) Johnson. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17, and trained to be an electronic technician serving on the AWACS flying recon on the east coast. He was very proud of his service to his country, after which he enrolled at DeVry in Chicago, IL, where he received his technical degree in electronics. He then went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration where he had a very successful career for the next 35 years, earning many commendations. He married Elaine Andersen in 1960, and they had three children: Timothy Lee; Shawn Marie; and Theodore Lawrence. They moved to Brainerd, MN in 1970 and made their home on Nokay Lake, where they lived for the next 44 years before building their senior-friendly home near Brainerd. Earl was a proud and involved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a dedicated husband. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and travel, but mostly, he loved his years on the lake, hosting many gatherings and watching all enjoying the beautiful setting he had created and maintained so meticulously. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and five sisters, his son, Timothy, and many other of his dear friends and relatives, too numerous to mention. Survived by his loving wife Elaine, daughter Shawn (Jeff Brummer), son Ted, two grandsons, four granddaughters, and three great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army are requested in Earls honor. This charity was one he supported faithfully each month, as it held a very special meaning to him, providing service and comfort to his family when he was a child. A Celebration of Earls Life will take place at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 4, 2023, at Nelson Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to services on Monday and on Sunday afternoon, December 3 from 1 p.m. 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place privately.