Mark Johnson, age 93 of Apache Junction, AZ passed away on September 5th, 2025. He was born on August 25, 1932 to Hilmer and Rose Johnson. Mark was an only child, growing up on a small town farm in Ogilvie, MN. He met the love of his life, Shirley Shephard in 1951 while both were working at IDS in Minneapolis, MN. They wed on March 30, 1953 and raised their 4 children in Bloomington, MN. Kimberly, Kevin, Kathleen and Kelly grew up to appreciate hard work, but also knew how to enjoy their time spent together, as they traveled up to Lake Minnewawa in McGregor, MN throughout their whole childhood. “The Lake” was a sacred place where Mark, Shirley, and the 4K’s made incredible memories swimming, fishing, boating, and eventually bringing future generations up as well. Mark’s life was perfectly balanced between the outdoor experiences he gave to his family and the businessman he was at work. Mark was a very intelligent and sensible man. If you knew Mark, you’d know he was very conscientious about money and could be considered a penny-pincher, often buying generic items and eating food past its expiration date because “it’s still good!”. His sense of humor was top notch and his laughter was contagious. If Mark would be described in a dictionary, he would be described as the best of the best. The son, husband, dad, uncle, grandpa and great-grandpa that only the luckiest people got to call him. His Swedish nature could be the reason he was a tad bit stubborn and could drive Shirley crazy at times. But his heart was so incredibly full, giving every bit of it to his family- not to mention those Minnesota sports teams! Besides being a sports fan, Mark became an avid bowler in his younger years; his best game scoring “11 strikes in a row”. Mark was a bowler turned golfer later on in his life. He golfed frequently during retirement and didn’t stop even when his heart thought he should. He even got a hole in one back when he was living in McGregor, circa year 2002. Mark sure lived life to the fullest and had a positive impact on everyone he met.

Mark is survived by his wife of 72 years, Shirley; children Kimberly Loken, Kathleen Borgen and Kelly (Kelly) Coleman; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and a newly born great-great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Kevin; and 2 son-in-laws, Michael Kaminski and Alan Borgen.

Friends and family are welcome to celebrate Mark’s life at a memorial service and luncheon held on November 14, 2025, at Everett McClay VFW Post 1296 beginning at 11:00 am with a burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 2:00 pm. 

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