Dean Allen Johnson, age 82, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Dean was born January 29, 1944, in Denver, Colorado, to E. Lewis Johnson and Alice (Landis) Johnson. The family later moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, where Dean grew up as the oldest of three children.
On December 31, 1966, Dean married Carol Jean McKane of St. Paul, Minnesota. Together they shared 59 years of marriage and raised four children: Matthew, Patrick, Jeffrey, and Deanna. Dean was devoted to his family and was deeply committed to the American Legion.
A true jack of many trades, Dean was always on the move and never enjoyed sitting still for long. He loved learning, trying new things, and—most of all—serving others. For many years he volunteered with American Legion Post #92, where he was well known as the resident bingo caller. Dean and Carol made bingo days a tradition—he would call and she would play—and he especially enjoyed it when family visited and joined in. Dean took great pride in his time at the Legion, and after relocating, he missed that community dearly.
Dean is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Matthew (Pam) Johnson, Patrick (Sue) Johnson, Jeffrey (Heather) Johnson, and Deanna Lutter; and his 13 grandchildren, Marie, Alex, Paul, Sonya, Ren, Cody, Amanda, Zachary, Brittany, Ava, Hailey, Mya, and Lauren. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, many in-laws, and numerous friends.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, E. Lewis Johnson and Alice (Landis) Johnson; his sister, Beth Marie Ellis; his brother, Carl Johnson; his parents-in-law, Doris (Weber) McKane and E. Thomas McKane; his son-in-law, Chad Lutter; and two brothers-in-law.
Mass will be at 11am on Saturday, April 25 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1315 12th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN, with visitation one hour prior to service. Father Joachim Anumba will be officiating. American Legion 92 will provide military honors at the church. Lunch will be served following the service at the church. A celebration of Dean’s life will continue at the American Legion Post 92 from 5-8pm.
Rochester Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences of Dean may be shared at rochestercremationservicesmn.com
