Noel Edwin Johnson

Noel Edwin Johnson, age 86, of Prior Lake, MN passed away with family by his side on March 11, 2025. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant St SE, Prior Lake, MN 55372. Noel will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis at 1:45 PM on Monday, March 24, 2025 – meeting at assembly area #3.  Family and friends who can't attend in-person are invited to live stream the military honors at the following link: Noel Johnson Military Honors.

Born in Evansville, MN on September 14, 1938, Noel led a life full of love, adventure, and dedication. As a young boy, Noel was raised as an only child by his aunt and uncle Hannah and Edwin. He was one of twelve siblings but was separated from his brothers and sisters growing up due to difficulties of the great depression. Later in life, he was able to connect with them and formed a close bond with all of them.

Noel's adventurous spirit led him to excel in various activities. He was on the swim team during his youth and developed a passion for boating, spending countless hours on Pelican Lake with his beloved dog on his little boat he named “The Cloud”.

At the age of 9, Noel moved to the city, and he graduated from South High School in Minneapolis. He then enlisted in the Army, joining the prestigious 101st Airborne Division - The Screaming Eagles, as a proud paratrooper. His service to his country was a source of immense pride, and he devoted much of his time to veteran causes throughout his life.

In 1958, Noel met the love of his life at the Humpty Dumpty Drive Inn in Evansville, IN. They married on October 20, 1958, and after his military service, they settled in Minneapolis to start their family. Their journey took them to Milwaukee for a short period then they purchased their first home in Forest Lake living there for 18 years until their children left home, then eventually they made their home in Prior Lake for the last 42 years.

Noel's career as a trucker allowed him to explore the open roads, often taking his children on trips across the country. Despite the long hours, he always made time for his family, organizing memorable trips to Colorado and Canada.

Noel's passion for nature and hunting was evident in his love for his well-trained hunting dogs, particularly Irish Setters and English Pointers. He passed this love on to his son and together they enjoyed many bird hunting adventures.

A dedicated member of the Car Club, Noel cherished participating in parades and volunteering at Fort Snelling. His love for the 1950s era was reflected in the joy he found at the Back to the 50's events, often accompanied by Linda and their granddaughters in their poodle skirts and saddle shoes.

Noel's life was centered around his family, his home, and his strong work ethic. A disciplined and hardworking man, he was a devoted father and husband who took immense pride in providing for his loved ones.

Noel will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love, strength, and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

Noel is survived by his wife, Linda Lou Johnson; children, Cindy (Larry) Koch and Jeffrey Noel Johnson; grandkids, Ali Noel Koch, Shelby Koch, Aaron (Mary) Johnson; great-grandkids, Loren, Julien, Sirenna, Finnley; and other loving relatives and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hannah & Edwin Johnson.