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   Kelly Wayne Johnson, age 56 of rural Remer, MN, began his journey home on March 28, 2024, at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  

Kelly was born August 28, 1967, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. At the age of 3 years old, he was adopted by Dennis Roger and Nancy Joy (Houlding) Johnson.  He attended Northland Community Schools in Remer. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, working as an airplane mechanic for four years.   He returned to Remer, Minnesota and settled there for the rest of his life. 

 

   Kelly was always proud to be the 9th of 10 adopted children by his parents, Dennis and Nancy. He can be remembered as an amazing cook and was always creating grilled foods on his smoker. He invited family and friends to his home for a homemade meal and would always make room at the table for anyone who wanted to join him for dinner. He was always up for trying new foods – especially something hot and spicy! Kelly was an avid hunter and fisherman always sharing these adventures with his father, brothers, Hailee and Ricky.  He also shared his love for hunting by teaching firearm safety classes. Several of his favorite pastimes included thrifting and attending auctions. When you would see Kelly, he was usually wearing bib overalls or wearing a pair of suspenders. He had an infectious smile that would light up any room and had a heart of gold – always willing to assist a family member or friend in need. Running errands with Kelly would take much longer than you may expect because he always ran into someone he knew and needed to have a good chat.  

   Kelly will be deeply missed by “his girls” Hailee Hinsz and Katrina and Athena, Savannah Hinsz and Mia and Nina, Christa Hinsz, Emma Mix, and Keyana Gross; his brothers, Eric (Stacey) Johnson, Brad Johnson, Trygve Johnson, his sisters, Jackie Potts, Jenny (Craig) Jones, Brenda (Doug) Dickson, and Rachel Losh-Johnson; Donny Losh and his son, Tayden who were special to Kelly’s heart; many nieces and nephews; other relatives, and countless friends.   

   He is preceded in death by his parents, Dennis and Nancy Johnson; brother, Bruce Johnson; and grandparents, Helen and Les Johnson. 

   A Celebration Potluck Dinner to Honor Kelly’s Life will be held 2 – 6 p.m., Sunday, June 9, 2024 at 3758 County Road 7 NE, Remer, MN 56672.  

   Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

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