Gary Arnold Johnson

Gary Johnson, 71, of Bemidji, died unexpectedly on September 6, 2024 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center.  

A Celebration of Life for Gary and his late wife, Lizbeth, will be held 1:00-3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Bemidji Town and Country Club.

Gary was born on January 28, 1953, in Red Wing, MN to Burnett and Helen Johnson, the youngest of 4 children.  He grew up in Dennison, MN. He attended Northfield High School, graduating in 1971.  He went on to attend Mankato State, gaining an AA and then transferred to St. Mary's Junior College for his respiratory therapy degree.  During this time, he met and then married his best friend, Lizbeth Johnson, on a beautiful day at her parents’ garden on July 19, 1975.  

Bemidji became home when Gary accepted a respiratory therapy position at North Country Health Services in 1976.  Throughout the years his role changed and evolved.  His proudest work accomplishment was starting Bemidji Medical Equipment for the hospital, a role he loves and staff that were like family.  He worked for North Country Health Services that later became Sanford Health for the entirety of his almost 40-year career.  

Gary loved fishing, golfing, and travelling- especially to the North Shore. His greatest love was spending time with his grandchildren.  Any chance he could get them out fishing, golfing, going to the Dairy Queen, travelling to the North Shore or having pizza parties was such a priority for him.  Gary was a long-time member of the Bemidji Town and CC, spending many hours there with friends and family.  

He is survived by daughter Lyndsay (Rick) Grand; grandchildren, Olivia and Owen; mother, Helen; sisters, Jean (David) Kapp and Bonnie Hansen. He was preceded by his wife, Liz, father, Burnett and brother, Larry.

Gary's family prefers any memorials in his honor be made to Joe Lueken Cancer Center.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Gary Arnold Johnson, please visit our Tree Store.