Kim "Trapper" Johnson was, in every sense of the phrase, a Major League Man. He died Friday, February

20th, 2026.

Born on February 18th, 1956, near Garfield, Minnesota—a town stitched into his heart and woven

through his very being. Kim grew up with a love for faith, family, baseball, and the outdoors that would

steer the course of his life. Garfield wasn't just where he was from; it helped shape who he was. Its

fields, lakes, and close-knit community formed the backdrop of a life marked by quiet strength and

steady devotion.

Kim graduated from Alexandria High School, where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball,

and—most importantly—baseball. It was on the diamond that his talent shone brightest. Even when life

threw him curveballs, he chose to embrace it all with selflessness and grace. He began his collegiate

career playing at Alexandria Technical College and played numerous seasons with the Brandon Blue

Jays. Eventually, Kim reached the highlight of his collegiate career having been named Captain of the

Bemidji State Beavers baseball team, leading them to many victories. Baseball never left him.

Those who knew him best might say he never stopped being a ballplayer at heart—a loyal Minnesota Twins

fan to the end, hopeful every spring, and certain that this might be "the year."

In the off-season, Kim excelled in the sport of snowmobile racing, with the highlight of his racing

career having won the South Dakota State Championship in the Aberdeen to Mobridge cross-country

race.

Kim found joy in country music, fishing and hunting, as well as trap shooting. He was known in certain

circles as "Top Gun"—a nickname he wore with a grin and more than enough humility to make you

wonder if the stories were exaggerated (they weren't). Kim had more than a handful of

championship trophies to his name. Whether casting a line, sitting in a deer stand, or in pursuit of a big

Tom or Rooster, he felt closest to heaven outdoors.

Early in his professional career while working at American Hardware Mutual Insurance, Kim met his

bride, Shelly Dawn Petersen—the true love of his life. They married in 1987 and built a life centered on

faith, family, and unwavering commitment. In the early 1990s, they settled in Brainerd where

shortly thereafter, Kim accepted a position with what is now Ascensus. He worked there faithfully for

more than 31 years, earning the respect of colleagues through his integrity, steadiness, and quiet

leadership.

To his family, Kim was a gentle and selfless man—a voice of reason and a constant, steady rock for the

three daughters and wife who were the center of his world. He was playful and loving, known for his

thoughtful and intentional heart. He sent cards for the birthdays and anniversaries people forgot

themselves. He checked in. He showed up. He loved well—out loud and on purpose.

Kim's faith was steadfast and quiet, not something he needed to announce because he lived it daily. He

trusted God's plan in triumph and in trial. That faith carried him through life's hardest moments and

anchored him in gratitude for God's greatest blessings.

Above all else, family was first. His promotion to Grandpa was one of his proudest titles. He adored his

grandchildren—Ever, Indy, Beritt, Griffin, and Landon—and wore the role with a joy that could light up a

room. There was nothing he wouldn't do for his girls: Calliegh (Levi) Duffney, Kelsey (Zach) Middleton,

and Briley (Kyle) Speich. They knew him as their safe place, their encourager, their steady hand in every

storm.

Kim is survived by his loving wife of nearly 39 years, Shelly; his daughters and sons-in-law; his treasured

grandchildren; his mother, Shirley; and his brothers, Kraig (Natalie), Kent (Amy), and Kyle (Vicki), as well

as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome; his uncle and aunt, John

and June Davis; and his dear friend, Gary "Heddy" Hedstrom.

We mourn deeply, not only because we loved Kim, but because the world feels different without his

wonderfully kind heart in it. Yet we are grateful—grateful for a life lived faithfully, for love given

generously, and for the example of a man who chose family over fame, faith over fear, and service over

self.

In baseball terms, Kim "Trapper" Johnson hit a grand slam where it mattered most.

Please join Kim's family as they honor him with a Celebration of Life at St. John's Lutheran Church in

Garfield, MN, on Friday, March 6th at 11:00 am. There will also be a visitation held at St. John's

Lutheran Church on Thursday, March 5th, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. Memorials directed to the family are

preferred.