Walter Clifford

Johnson

Walter C. Johnson was born April 9, 1929, to Carl and Aina Jokimaki Johnson in Automba Township, Carlton County, Minnesota, and passed away on November 9, 2026. He graduated from Cromwell High School in 1947; served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War 1951-1952; and graduated from Dunwoody Institute in 1956. Walter worked as a civil engineer for the City of Golden Valley, MN; for a developer in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada; and for the City of Burnsville, MN. He married Joyce Layon on August 6, 1955, and they would raise three daughters together.

He is survived by his daughters, Cinder (Bert) Winkel, Cathy (Susan) Johnson, and Connie Sundvall; his granddaughter Kendra Sundvall; his brother and sister-in-law Ray and Sharon Johnson; his sister-in-law Sharon Layon; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and other family; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce; his parents; his siblings and their spouses, Elma (Harold Delacey), Harold (Phyllis), Howard, Fred, Esther (Murnice Wait), Mae (Harlan Switzer); and Paul; and many other family members and dear friends.Walter was proud of his Finnish heritage, enjoyed speaking Finnish, and always enjoyed a good, hot sauna. Member of the American Legion and the VFW.

The family would like to thank those who provided him with kind and excellent care, especially in his final days: Dr. Tuukka Ostenso at the Minneapolis VA; the team at FirstLight especially the world’s best home aide, Elyssa; the team at Arbor Lane, especially Maribel and Linda; and everyone at MN Hospice.

Memorial service to be held at White Funeral Home, 12804 Nicollet Ave, Burnsville, MN on Saturday, 12/5/26 at 11 am; visitation at 10 am. Interment at Ft Snelling on Monday, 12/7/26 at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in his name to your favorite charity. His favorites included Wounded Warriors and The Nature Conservancy.