Merrill Wayne Johnson

The funeral service for Merrill Johnson, 73, of Minneota, will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service; 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at Hope Lutheran Cemetery. A recording of the service will be available at www.horvathfuneralservice.com.

Merrill Wayne Johnson was born on September 14, 1951, in Marshall, MN, the youngest of 11 born to Bjorn and Beatrice (Bjerkestrand) Johnson. He grew up in Minneota and graduated from Minneota High School. At age 19, Merrill moved to California where he worked with family in the construction industry. Merrill was united in marriage to Darlene Huston in 1976. To this union were born children Katherine and Derrik. The couple later divorced in 1997.

Merrill worked in construction for his whole life. He enjoyed building things and was a construction framer for more than 40 years. He also was a partner in a construction garbage removal company. In the early 2000’s he retired. In 2010, he moved back to Minneota. 

Merrill was very gregarious and enjoyed visiting with people. He enjoyed playing pull tabs and scratch offs and visiting with his friends. He also enjoyed watching the Price is Right or Hallmark Movies. 

For the last couple of years, Merrill had been dealing with various health issues. He died on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD.

He is survived by his daughter Kate (Brian) Atkinson of Rocklin, CA, son Derrik (Beth) Johnson of St. Michael, brothers Frannie Johnson and Dorney Johnson, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and six brothers.