Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson, age 63, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away peacefully at home Saturday, March 30, 2019. Those who knew him would all agree that Gary was an exceptional and even legendary man. Anyone who has had the opportunity to spend time with him can share many stories of his brilliant, kind and playful spirit.

Gary’s life will be celebrated with a time of visitation on Wednesday April 3rd from 6 to 8 pm at the Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton. There will be a time of sharing at 7 pm and the family encourages everyone to come with their favorite story of Gary to share. The funeral service is on Thursday, April 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Covenant Church in Wheaton with Pastor Tim Shekleton officiating. Visitation will continue Thursday morning one hour prior to service time at the church. Interment will be in Wildwood Cemetery.

Gary Melvin Johnson was born November 19, 1955 to Lowell and Melvie Johnson in Wheaton, MN. He grew up outside of town with his brothers Steve, Doug, and Bryan playing outdoors, hunting, fishing, and getting into trouble.

A committed family man, Gary dearly loved his wife, Vicky, and their children, Travis, Dustin, and Amber. He adored his three grandchildren, Hunter, Aurora, and Gavin and found so much joy in spending time with them. Gary worked hard to provide for his family and to share his time and passion for the outdoors, fishing and hunting. He was filled with pride when Aurora shot her first deer and with Hunter’s continued excellence in trap shooting.

Gary was always generous with his time, not only with his family and friends, but also anyone who came into his shop. People would often stop by to get hot tips on fishing or hunting, but mostly just to chat with such an easy-going, funny man.

He was loved by many, connecting easily with people and constantly proved to be a reliable and wonderful friend. Gary was able to make the best out of nearly any situation. His wonderful sense of humor, curious and creative attitude and calm confidence made him a delight to spend time with.

Starting his own taxidermy business out of his tiny basement in 1976, Gary’s skill and artistry earned many committed customer relationships and the reputation as the best taxidermist in the area. He had a special ability to preserve not only trophies but the memories that his customers treasured in his work. Gary delighted in taking on new, challenging projects as well as inventing creatures from various animal parts. It made him so proud to be able to share his work and passion for taxidermy with his son, Dustin.

There are many stories of Gary’s legendary ability as a fisherman, hunter, and trap shooter. He always knew when and where the fish were biting and the best hunting spots. Even after his cancer diagnosis, he won league high gun during trap shooting last fall, beating his son, Dustin, by 1 shot. Gary also found a lot of joy in meticulously caring for his garden, landscape plants, trees, and flowers. He absolutely loved spending time with his family and friends out on the boat, in the blind, out on the range or going for a drive to check his favorite fishing and hunting spots.

Even though his last days were difficult, he found many moments of joy visiting with his friends and family and found peace going for rides down to the dam with his daughter, Amber. Gary expressed thanks and was deeply moved by the amazing support of the community and those who volunteered their time to put on his benefit.

Gary is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Vicky; son Dustin (Alexis); daughter Amber (Nick); grandchildren: Hunter, Aurora and Gavin; daughter-in-law Lindsay, brothers: Steve (Lynn), Doug (Rosemary) and Bryan (Roxy); father-in-law Mert; and his ice cream loving cat Vader.

Gary was preceded in death by his son Travis; and his parents Lowell and Melvie.

He was a truly amazing man who will be missed immensely by the family and community he loved.