Ray “Smiley” Johnson
The world lost one of the greatest smiles, the grins of Ray “Smiley” Johnson on September 8, 2017 at Regions Hospital. He lived with cancer for 12 years and now is in glory with the Lord.
The family will honor Smiley’s life with a visitation on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and also one hour prior to the service at church. A Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11 am, at Immanuel Lutheran on Fish Lake 20200 Fairlawn Ave, Prior Lake, MN. Pastor Brent Parrish will preside. Pall bearers will be Jim Larson, Brad Brandt, Leo Dorn, Mark Fredricks, Jason Jones and Doug Hartman. Smiley will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. He will be respected with full military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake V.F.W. Post 6208 Honor.
One of the biggest storms occurred on March 27, 1933 in Ambrose, North Dakota. The same day Otto and Edna (Opperud) Johnson welcomed the fifth of eleven children, Raymond Milton, in the comforts of their home on the farm. Money was tight, so only being eight years of age, Ray started working for various farmers, earning money to help the family survive. Ray attended school for a short time during the sixth grade before quitting and worked full-time as a welder at the local garage. It was here, that he, age 10, was pinned with the nickname, Smiley—a name that stuck with him for life.
Smiley was proud to be one of seven Johnson boys to serve in the United States military. During the Korean War, he was a US Army combat engineer. Returning to the states, Smiley followed some of his family to the Prior Lake area in 1955. He began working for an advertising sign company for 6 years, followed by construction for several years and tending bar for a couple of years. Smiley found his niche and was employed as the Superintendent of Public Works for the City of Prior Lake for 26 years. In 1967, he was one of two employees, assisting the population of 1300, earning $375 a month and no benefits. Smiley saw the population grow to over 18,000 and retired on July 31, 1993. His dedication to the city did not stop there. Smiley was also a volunteer firefighter for the Prior Lake Fire and Rescue Department from 1972-1992. After retirement, he drove cars for North Star Auto Auction for several years.
Paving the driveway of a widow and mother of three beautiful girls, Smiley met Virginia (Zaudtke) Chlan. They wasted no time and three and half months later, they were married on June 25, 1966 at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake. Smiley instantly became the proud father to Bonnie, Cindy and Deb. He and Virginia later welcomed a son, Jeff. Spring of 1969, the family built a new home and enjoyed it until moving into a new townhome in 1996. Smiley’s family looked forward to the annual summer vacations visiting relatives back in North Dakota or enjoying time together in Vergas. They also enjoyed their small seasonal cabins on Martin Lake. Smiley and Virginia treasured traveling, especially to Sweden, Hawaii, Alaska, other destination of the U.S. and several cruises. They enjoyed playing board games and cards with family and friends. In later years, every evening concluded with a game of cards.
A man of great faith, Smiley was an active and devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, since 1966.
Left to honor Smiley’s life and mourn the death is his loving wife of 51 years, Virginia; children, Bonnie Johnson, Cindy (Steve) Pivec, Deb (Mike) Trotman, Jeff Johnson; grandchildren, Nick Johnson, Matt (Emily), Jessica and Sarah Pivec, Jake, Mitch, and Joe Trotman, Sydney and Whitney Johnson; siblings, Lloyd (Bonnie) Johnson, Lester “Red” (Leila) Johnson, Otto Jr. (Jan) Johnson; sister-in-law, Avis Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Kerin (Bill) Bymark; Godson, Charlie Kohout; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Smiley home to Heaven are his parents; siblings, Arvid (Ivy) Johnson, LaVern Johnson, LaVonne (Bennie) Carlson, Marlene (Norman) Olson, Clayton Johnson, Donna Larson and Donald Johnson.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Johnson family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
