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Neil P Johnson, age 84, of Longville, formerly of Burnsville and Elk River, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 9, 2015, at Hennepin County Medical Center, following a tragic car accident. Celebration of life will be held at 3 PM Sun., December 20 at Life Church, 2201 W. 108th St., Bloomington, MN.

Neil was born September 23, 1931, to Clifford and Helen (Pierson) Johnson, at Swedish Hospital, Minneapolis. Neil was a true entrepreneur at heart; he started his first business as a high schooler delivering ice. He graduated from Robbinsdale High School and joined the US Navy, while completing his Bachelor's Degree, in Music Education.

He married his high school sweetheart, Gloria Pollock, in 1953. They had two children, Denny and Pam. During that time, Neil worked as a high school band teacher, then worked for the Fingerhut Corporation, after which he started a mail marketing business, and later purchased a retail floor covering store. After Gloria's passing, he raised his two children for six years by himself. In 1970, he married Netta, and his family grew by four children: Vicki, Mike, Pat, and Bev.

Neil enjoyed traveling and anything that was an adventure. Some of his favorite trips were to Spain, Hawaii, and Mexico. One of the most memorable trips was a three week vacation with the clan of eight, traveling in a station wagon with a pop-up camper across the western US. Most recently, he traveled as far southeast as the Florida Keys, and as far northwest as Alaska within the same year.

Neil had a true appreciation for nature that he passed along to his children and grandchildren. Whether camping, hunting, or boating, he loved being in the outdoors, especially with his family. He was a man who loved to explore, but one of his favorite places to be was at a table filled with good food he prepared for those he loved. Neil kept his mind sharp doing daily crossword puzzles and beating his buddies in cribbage. Although he loved his winters in Texas, Neil was a true Minnesotan cheering on the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers. Neil had many passions, but most of all he loved family and spending time with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Neil was preceded in death by wives, Gloria and Netta; daughter, Vicki; granddaughter, Lucy Kate; brother, Corky; sister, Phyllis. Survived by children, Mike, Denny (Kate), Pam (Mark), Pat (Kristin) and Bev (Sara); 13 grandchildren; many friends and relatives.

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