Michael C. Johnson

Michael C. Johnson, Minneapolis, MN, passed away unexpectedly on May 3, 2023, at the age of 44.  Mike grew up in Orono and was a graduate of Wayzata High School. He furthered his education at Dunwoody Institute, receiving a degree in Robotics Technology. He was employed as a robotics technician in the Twin Cities.

Mike had an appreciation for the unconventional, finding beauty in the raw, honest, irreverent art of authors, illustrators, and musicians that pushed boundaries and offered a unique lens through which to view the world. His lifelong passion for music began in the basement of his childhood home, where he and his friends played punk rock tunes late into the night between sessions on the skateboard ramp he built with his grandfather. He would go on to lend his talent on guitar and drums to many local bands, and most recently enjoyed making music with his close-knit neighborhood community.

Adventurous at heart, Mike's love for exploration took him from a solo trip to vibrant Mexico City to serene canoe trips with his father. He enjoyed the unpredictability of his days driving a cab in Minneapolis and the stories he'd hear from passengers. Freedom was important to Mike; he once tried his hand at raising cage-free chickens in his backyard—an experiment that was brief, but memorable.

Mike's nonjudgmental nature and ability to live in the moment endeared him to people from all walks of life. He was a gentle soul, taking care of two homeless neighborhood cats and enjoying the time he spent with friends and family.  His niece and nephew loved visits from Uncle Mike, who was always up to wrestle, play video games, and once left a family gathering to buy a left-handed baseball glove just so he could join his nephew in a game of catch.

Mike leaves behind memories that will live on in the hearts of many. He was preceded in death by his father, Mark R. Johnson, and is survived by his mother, Marjorie Johnson; brother, Nick (Jennifer Glidden) and their children Boden and Maren, uncles, aunts and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held for Mike at Wayzata Community Church, 125 Wayzata Blvd East, Wayzata, at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 12. Reception following. Interment in Cannon Falls at a later date.

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