Obituary: Mark Johnson

Mark R. Johnson, 72, of Cloquet, left for his eternal fishing trip on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. He was born March 17, 1952, in Cloquet to George and Barbara Johnson.

As the youngest of four children, Mark spent his youth playing sports and getting into the usual mischief that boys always seem to find. He made many friends in his younger years, friendships that were still strong to this day. After graduating from Cloquet in 1971 he spent a little bit of time traveling the country with friends before returning home to work.

In the early 1970s he worked at the Elk River Cement Plant before joining the Operating Engineers Local 49 in 1975. He spent 32 years as a heavy equipment operator and was always proud that he helped build theInterstate 35 tunnels under downtown Duluth. He honorably withdrew from Local 49 in 2007 and went to work for L&M Fleet Supply until 2013.

In 1976 Mark married Cheryl Burggraff and they settled into life at their little house on 12th Street. Their family was finally complete in 1982 when Dawn arrived in their lives.

Mark liked to stay busy and was active in the local Eagles Club 1163. He joined leagues for both bowling and golf and if you asked him how either sport went, he would tell you he did pretty good or pretty bad depending on the day. He wasn't there to win or be the best, he just wanted to have some fun and spend time with his friends. He could have improved his teaching skills though, just ask his daughter about the first time he let her drive a golf cart at 8 years old.

Later in life he enjoyed daily trips to The Lost Tavern so he could have a Coke and crack bad jokes with his friends.

Mark was an outdoorsman at heart and spent countless hours in the woods or on the lakes. He surrounded himself with people who enjoyed similar hobbies and always looked forward to time at the shack and the semi-annual fishing trips up north. As a deer hunter, he always claimed he was waiting for the perfect buck to come along but we all know he was napping in his stand and that makes it hard to see a deer. The walleye in his living room was proof that he was better at fishing than he was at hunting, and he would wet a line year-round. He loved his sweets but he loved fishing more and wasn't afraid to drop a donut mid-bite if there was a fish on his line (true story).

Mark is survived by his daughter Dawn (Mark Carlson); sister Pam (Larry) Ojibway; brother Terry (Carol) Johnson; lots of cousins, nieces, nephews and so many close friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Cheryl; his parents, George and Barbara; and his brother Dale. It is our hope that they are having a good time together right now.

He recently shared that he was happy with the life he had lived and did not have any regrets. If he were here right now he would tell you to take every opportunity you can to be spontaneous and do the things you want to do. Book that goose hunting trip in Canada, invite all the neighbors over for coffee on the deck, rent that cabin for a family reunion, feed the squirrels, go out for a meal or a Coke, take the time to watch a gorgeous sunrise or sunset, or buy all the on-sale holiday candy you want. He was extremely generous and always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

The family extends a special thank you to the friends and neighbors who went above and beyond over the last couple years to make sure that Mark was able to do the things he loved most. Words cannot express how grateful we are for the love and compassion you showed him.

His goofy sense of humor and distinct laugh are going to be missed by all of us.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring and the family will share information when it is available. In lieu of flowers, take some time to do the things you enjoy with the people you love and to lend a hand to someone in need.

Pine Knot News, Nov. 22, 2024