Tom Johnson

Clinton "Tom" Johnson, age 93 of Cottage Grove, MN passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026.

Clinton (aka "Tom") Thomas Johnson was born on February 19, 1933 to Mark Johnson and Ruth Worden in St. Paul, MN. He was raised in Minnesota and California, joining the Coast Guard in California after high school in 1950 until 1953 when he moved to Minnesota. In 1954, he married his first wife, Rosalie Regan, starting his family of 5 children and moved to Cottage Grove in 1959. When not working, he'd take his young family of 7+ on road trips across the country or fishing trips to Lake Kabetogama, MN. Tom and Rosalie parted ways in 1977.

Tom worked his entire life in the brewing industry (Hamms, Pabst, Olympia, Strohs) until he retired in 1995. He was a Master Sergeant in the National Guard Reserves for 20 years where he'd work weekends and two-week summer camps at Camp Ripley, MN.

Tom was united in marriage to Mary Lou Shannon in 1978, adding 5 more children to his family. They shared many exciting travels over the years together, especially enjoying trips to Hawaii, England, Hong Kong and wintering in Destin, FL for several years. Many special meals and memories were made during our MN summers with family and friends around their home pool.

In his spare time, Tom enjoyed golf, bowling, pool league, playing numerous card games and dining at local restaurants, including the "Car Bar", one of their favorites. At 93, Tom was baptized with the hope of reuniting with the love of his life, Mary Lou, his oldest daughter, Mary Ellen, his dog "Snooper", and all of his loved ones who left this world too soon.

Tom's feisty spirit and playful antics will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Thanks for the lifetime of precious memories, Tom!

Tom is survived by his daughters Sue (Bill) Whitaker, Debbie (Jack) Johnson, Peggy (Terry) Lahr and Terry (Brian) Gieser; sons Tom (Laura) Johnson, Dan Johnson, Tim Shannon, Tom Shannon and Bob (Karen) Shannon; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mark Johnson and Ruth Worden; wife Mary Lou Johnson, daughter Mary Ellen Hermann; as well as daughters-in-law Cheri Shannon and Virginia Johnson.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S.; Cottage Grove, MN with a visitation from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. All are invited to a luncheon following the service. A graveside service with military honors will take place after the luncheon at Cottage Grove Cemetery; Cottage Grove, MN.

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