July 21, 1931 – December 31, 2025
Adrian Clarence Johnson, age 94, passed away on December 31, 2025. Born on July 21, 1931, in Harmony, Minnesota, to Clarence and Viola Johnson, where he attended both grade and high school. It was on a shared school bus ride that he met the love of his life, Marjorie McKay. The two were married on November 22, 1952, beginning a beautiful journey that spanned 73 years.
Adrian’s professional life was marked by a strong work ethic and diverse talents. After a brief period in construction in Colorado Springs, he returned home to work as a self-employed milk hauler. In 1956, he moved to Silver Bay to begin a 30-year career in the Maintenance Department at Reserve Mining Company. Following the plant’s closure in 1986, Adrian turned his gifted woodworking hobby into a full-time business for three years before joining Cypress Northshore in 1989 fully retiring in 1993. He also served his community as a part-time mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service.
Deeply committed to civic duty, Adrian served on the Lake Superior School Board from 1967 to 1976 and the Silver Bay Recreation Committee for twelve years. He was a dedicated advocate for his fellow workers, serving as an officer for the United Steelworkers Local 5296 for nearly twenty years, and was an active member of the D.F.L. party. After retirement, the winter months were spent in Apache Junction, Arizona, where he remained active hiking, square dancing, playing cards and volunteering at Our Saviors Lutheran Church. In his quiet moments and back in Silver Bay, Adrian found peace in his garden and fulfillment at Sychar Lutheran Church, where he and Marjorie were longtime members.
Adrian is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie; his two children, Gail (Bruce) Smith and Forrest (Jane Foster) Johnson; and his son-in-law, Keith Mickelson. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Andrea (Max) Flippin, Melissa Smith, Sara (Aaron) Lassila, Brian “Bud” (Ali) Mickelson, Brent (Laurissa) Mickelson, and Dylan (Janelle) Johnson, as well as thirteen great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Thomas Johnson. Adrian was preceded in death by his daughter Becky Mickelson, his parents Clarence and Viola, three sisters Edith, Darlene, and Beverly; and three brothers Carmen, Donald, and Allen.
His legacy of service, craftsmanship, and devotion to family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Memorials are preferred to Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay.
Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM service on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Sychar Lutheran Church in Silver Bay. Burial will be in Scotland Cemetery in Preston, Minnesota at a later date. To share a memory or leave an online condolence visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
