Darrel Johnson

Darrel F. Johnson, 91, of Babbitt, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025 in the Boundary Waters Care Center Ely, MN.

Darrel was born May 27, 1934 in a small log house in the country on 40 acres north of Clarissa, Minnesota to Floyd and Blandina (Modrow) Johnson. The family then moved to a 160-acre farm by Bertha, Minnesota that stayed in the family till 2020. Darrel attended Country School and later went into the Army and served in Korea. He worked on the railroad, then went to work in the mines on the Iron Range where he worked till he retired in 1996.

He married the love of his life, Judith Fredrickson February 11, 1961. Darrel was an active member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Babbitt. He was involved in Peter Mitchell Days, the Babbitt Fun Run. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his garden.

Darrel was preceded in death by his wife Judith (Judy), father and mother, Floyd and Blandina Johnson, sister Carol Claude and brother Douglas Johnson.

Darrel is survived by his son, Christopher (Frederick Hess); sister LaDonna Lilleodden of New Ulm, MN; brother Randy (Bette) Johnson of Maplewood, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Special friends Wendy Johnson, Stacy, Kelly and Jim Zupancich Sr, Jimmy and Andrea Zupancich family, 

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 9 a.m. at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt. Interment after the service with military honors. A celebration will be held at Fish Tales in Babbitt from noon to 5 p.m.

Contributions to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Babbitt are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements are with Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

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