Terry Lee Johnson

Terry Lee Johnson passed away on May 11, 2026 of complications from lung cancer at his home on Third Silver Lake, MN.

Terry was born to Alton and Bonnie Johnson on August 12, 1949 in Hallock, Mn. He was the second of six children and raised on a farm near Kennedy, MN. He graduated from Kennedy High School in 1967. He earned a Bachelor's Accounting degree from Moorhead State College in 1971. In 1969, he married Louise Olson in Cyrus, MN. They were married for 33 years living in Mankato, Wadena, and Anoka, MN. Louise passed away in 2002. Terry spent his entire career working in county government finance. His position at the time of his retirement in 2011 was Anoka County Administrator.

He held a deep love for adventure and the outdoors. He instilled that passion of respect for nature in his children and grandchildren. Whether hiking along a quiet river, camping the north woods, or spending winter days skiing together, family time was always filled with exploration and laughter. Grampy created cherished memories skiing alongside his grandchildren in the mountains of Utah and Montana. Above all else, Terry devoted his life to his family. He treasured time spent with both his immediate and extended loved ones and never missed an opportunity to bring people together. Boating, golfing, and spirited games of cribbage were among the many joys he happily shared with anyone around him. Terry will be remembered as a loving father who offered guidance and support, and as a fun-loving grandfather whose warmth, humor, and adventurous spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

After Terry's retirement he built a home designed in Third Silver Lake near Battle Lake. For 15 years he lived his dream of having a home on a lake under a forest of pine trees. Cindy Spilde was added to Terry's heart in 2011. They had a private commitment ceremony September 16, 2017 at Terry's home. They agreed their vows to one another were valid if God was their witness. A Commitment Celebration was held lakeside in 2018.

Terry was welcomed and was respected by everyone he met in his retirement, whether that be forming family like relationships at his favorite happy hour spot, Marie's Tavern in Underwood, on the golf course or in a restaurant somewhere. He was respected by all, considered a Gentleman and inspired others to listen more and speak less. Terry and Cindy found fun wherever they went. They were usually the two that brought on the shenanigans! They traveled all over the US and Terry checked his last Bucket List item off when they vacationed in Hawaii - he had then been to all 50 states.

Preceding him death were his wife, Louise; his parents; his brothers, Neil and Bob Johnson; brother-in-law, John Kading, and his best friend and shenanigans buddy, Fred the Bear.

Terry is survived by his two children, Jeremy (Tracey) Johnson and Heather (Mike) Harrington; grandsons, Riley and Aiden Harrington; life partner, Cindy Spilde; brothers, David (Deborah) Johnson and Spud (Kris) Johnson; sister, Carole (Richard) Krogstad; sisters-in-law, Kim Johnson and Linda Kading; brothers-in-law, Gene (Maureen) Olson and Rollie (Gayle) Olson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Bob Kersten

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com