Ralph Franklin Johnson, age 73 of Bloomington, formerly of Lakeville, went home to Jesus on Saturday, January 7, 2023. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 11AM with a visitation starting at 9:30AM at Trinity Church, 10658 210th St W, Lakeville.
On February 18, 1949, Ralph was born in Minneapolis to parents Franklin and Ruby (Munson) Johnson. He was the second oldest of their four children. Along with his siblings, Ralph grew up and attended school in Crystal. Throughout his life, family and faith were important to Ralph. Adventurous and resolute, Ralph at age 12 made the long trek on his bike from Crystal to his aunt and uncle’s farm in Braham to visit his cousin Wayne. Countless memories were made visiting the farm in his youth. He was a hard worker, working on a truck farm in the summers from ages 12-16, then hired by a local restaurant and later a dry cleaner where he could dry clean his high school clothes at no charge – a boon for those days when everyone wore nice wool clothes to school!
Graduating from Cooper High School in 1967, Ralph furthered his education at the University of Minnesota and Bethel. He later earned his Associate’s degree in architecture from Hennepin Technical College. During these years, Ralph was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis which was actively fusing his spine during his 20’s, causing lifelong pain.
In 1970, Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Lianne Carlson, who had received a devastating diagnosis of multiple sclerosis months before their wedding. A few short years later, her parents brought her back into their home to provide care until her disease progressed to the point of requiring 24/7 skilled nursing assistance before Jesus called her home. Lianne’s parents were incredibly supportive of Ralph during this most challenging time, accepting Mary with open arms later when she entered his life. This chapter was a severe test of Ralph’s faith in the God who loves him, but God remained true to His promises: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
Ralph’s friends and work colleagues at General Mills Chemicals where he was employed for more than 10 years were the constant in his life during this challenging time. Mary joined General Mills in 1977 and met Ralph in 1978 when they played softball together on a company team.
On May 25, 1979, Ralph was united in marriage to Mary Louise Pumper at Bethlehem Covenant in Minneapolis. Ralph’s reserved demeanor was balanced by Mary’s outgoing nature. Mary and Ralph bought their first home in South Minneapolis, during which time Ralph got a head start on his remodeling career. Using his entrepreneurial skills and architectural training, Ralph started a remodeling company in 1979, Tenpenny Builders, where he worked on everything from small projects to full home remodeling. In 1987, they purchased a lot in Lakeville and Ralph began construction for their family home. Whether it was building the family home, a matching treehouse in the back yard, or any of his clients’ projects, Ralph took great pride in his work.
Ralph and Mary were blessed with two daughters and 43 years together. Ralph was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Over the years, the family enjoyed trips to the North Shore of Lake Superior and Northern Minnesota. As the girls grew older, their summer vacations brought them out West on camping and road trip adventures.
After retiring, Ralph fulfilled his and Mary’s lifelong dream of owning a cabin in Northern Minnesota. Ralph spent countless hours working on renovating the cabin. Unfortunately, his enjoyment of the cabin would prove to be limited due to his diagnosis of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (a lung disease) in the winter of 2016. The cabin has been a source of many wonderful family memories and is a gift from Ralph that will continue to be cherished into the future.
Ralph truly had a servant’s heart. He helped his daughters with school projects, packed daily lunches complete with special notes and artwork, and supported them in all their activities. In later years, Ralph helped care for his granddaughter as an infant and, despite the distance, Ralph made sure his grandson knew how much he was loved.
Outside of work and family time, Ralph was a dedicated member of Trinity Church in Lakeville. Over the years, he volunteered on various church committees. He especially enjoyed bible study with their “small group” who remained together for over 20 years. Ralph’s faith was steadfast even in later years as his health declined. Mary’s dedication to caring for her husband allowed Ralph to fulfill his wish of remaining at home in the last years of his illness.
Ralph will forever be remembered for his wry sense of humor, ingenuity, and love for his “three girls.” He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Louise Johnson; children, Rachel (Aaron) Williams and Andrea (Derrick) Smith as well as beloved grandchildren, Sophie Williams and Virgil Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Ann (Mark) Caspers and brother, Carl (Elizabeth) Johnson.
Ralph is predeceased by his father, Franklin Carl Johnson and mother, Ruby Violet Johnson née Munson, first wife Lianne Carlson Johnson, and sister, Mary Alice (Tom) Pipenhagen.
Memorials may be given in Ralph’s honor to Community Emergency Services of Minneapolis ( cesmn.org ) or Feed My Starving Children.
