Lauren's obituary
Lauren Dean Johnson was born on April 15, 1965 in Plentywood, Montana to Andy and Gloria (Trevithick) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm outside of Reserve with three older siblings: Joanne, Stan, and Shirley. He made his choice to serve God at his home convention of Dagmar when he was 13 years old. He was true to that vow until the very end of his life.
Lauren graduated as valedictorian from Plentywood High School 1983 and lived in Bozeman for four years to get his Bachelor's degree at Montana State University. While there, he enjoyed fellowship with many other young professing kids, among whom was his future wife, Sandra Clark. He lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico for two years obtaining his Master's Degree at New Mexico State University.
Lauren and Sandy were married on July 22, 1989 in Butte, Montana before moving to St. Paul, Minnesota. While there, Lauren earned his Ph.D. in Plant Breeding/Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota.
In 1992, having recently graduated, Lauren and Sandy moved to Woodland, California, where he had been hired as the alfalfa breeder for Cal/West Seeds. While in Woodland, their three daughters were all born: Kelsey in 1993, Kyla in 1996, and Kendra in 1998. In total, the family lived in Woodland for 15 years.
In December of 2007, the family relocated to Casa Grande, Arizona, where Lauren got a new job as the guayule rubber plant breeder. In 2018, Lauren changed careers and began working as a quality inspector for Tram-Tek Inc. In 2021, his grandson and namesake, Nolan Dean Sullivan was born to his daughter Kelsey and son-in-law, Drew. Lauren and Sandy’s open home was used for fellowship meetings for over 18 years before Lauren became unable.
After a long battle with cancer, Lauren entered into rest on March 8, 2024 at the age of 58, surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his parents Andy and Gloria Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Johnson, daughters, Kelsey (Drew) Sullivan, Kyla Johnson, and Kendra Johnson; his grandson, Nolan Sullivan; his stepmother, Eleanor Johnson, sister Joanne (Greg) Dutton, brother Stan (Merlene) Johnson, sister Shirley (Chuck) Roloff, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Lauren loved his dogs, books, puzzles, game nights, ice cream, Diet Coke, and family. He will be remembered for his commitment to his family, intelligence, quiet and calm demeanor, steadfast example, and most importantly, his faithfulness to God.
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So many memories. Family gatherings, shared birthday parties, growing up with our family, sledding at the farm..Lauren…
So many memories. Family gatherings, shared birthday parties, growing up with our family, sledding…
So many memories. Family gatherings, shared birthday parties, g…