"JOEY JOHNSON you were always just the greatest kindnest friend a person could ever meet THANK YOU.. You will be so missed?"
Joey "Joe Bird" Johnson, 60, of Grand Meadow, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday March 29th at the age of 60.
Joey was born to Larry and Janice Johnson on December 18th 1960 in Nuremburg, Germany, while his father was there serving in the military.
Joey graduated from Stewartville high school in 1979.
Joey loved all things sports from the Minnesota Twins to the Vikes. He also enjoyed coaching youth sports around the Stewartville community. His "00"s has been gracing softball fields every summer for over 40 years. He was looking forward to playing again this year.
Joey enjoyed bowling with his son Noah, weekly leagues and in recent years traveling to National bowling tournaments around the country.
Joey had the opportunity to do some traveling, some of his favorites were Twins training camp in Florida, Alaska and The Black Hills. Joey and Kristin loved a good road trip, whether it be to Las Vegas or around Grand Meadow looking for deer.
Joey is survived by his long time significant other Kristin Rieger of Grand Meadow of 28 years. 3 boys, Jacob (Molly) Johnson of Rochester, MN, Joshua (Rachel) Johnson of Morris, MN and Noah Johnson and his fiancé Brittany Turany of Rochester, MN. Grandsons, Archie, Huck, Fletcher and Wally of Rochester, MN. Granddaughter Agnus of Morris, MN.
His mother Janice (Stan) Czaplewski of Rochester, MN, father, Larry Johnson of Byron, MN. Sisters Karrie Espinoza of Rochester, MN and Bobbie Johnson of Kasson, MN. Countless numbers of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at East St. Olaf Cemetery in Rock Dell. A social hour will be held at the Stewartville bowling alley after the burial.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Johnson family; to leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
"JOEY JOHNSON you were always just the greatest kindnest friend a person could ever meet THANK YOU.. You will be so missed?"
"RIP Joey. We always enjoyed visiting with u when we were up there. U will definitely be missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family and the Reger family. Robert & Cindy "
"So sorry for your loss, I had only met Joey a couple of times, he was a great friend/ co worker to my dad Charles. Sending much love Family and friends! "
"SO sorry for your loss, I had only met Joey a couple of times, he was a great friend/co worker to my dad Charles. Sending love to the family and friends. "
"RIP JOEY ! Many good memories of battling it out on the softball diamond at Meadow Park in Stewartville against JOE BIRD and the boys. We always had FUN during the game and after! Mike Jergenson"
"Janice my thoughts and prayers are with you and family, From your old work companion from Erdmans a number of years ago. Evonne Kruger, re met you at Virginia Searls funeral and Al Trelstads neighbor. Blessing. "
"Joe always had a little gleam of mischief in his eye! That?s what made being around him so much fun! Never harmful or never hurtful, just fun! He was one of those guys that truly enjoyed being in the moment he was in and never acted like anyone but himself! Can?t ask for more than that! "
"Dear Joey, you will be so terribly missed! Whenever we needed help around our little house, you were right there--climbing scaffolding to paint the peaks, keeping the yard and flower beds beautiful, shoveling the steps, and cooking us delicious meals. We will miss your smile, your sense of humor, just having you around. You were a wonderful Dad, a loyal friend, and a genuinely nice guy. RIP, Joe, until we meet again. Mark & Katie Rieger"
"I am so sorry for your loss i didn't know Joey very well but i know how much he is loved by his family may he rest in peace"
"Joey was a good young man, often funny, and with a good heart. A great worker, Joey never left a job or a task unfinished I'm gonna miss him. RIP."