Gunnard Duane “Dewey” Johnson
Gunnard Duane “Dewey” Johnson
Gunnard Duane “Dewey” Johnson of Hendersonville, North Carolina went to his heavenly home at the age of 93 on February 27, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born September 19, 1931 in Jamestown, New York to J. Elof and Alice Johnson. He was member of First Lutheran Church and a graduate of Jamestown High School, Class of 1949.
Dewey graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN, where he met his bride, Janet Olander. During his college years he spent summers serving as Director of the Lutheran Bible Camp on Chautauqua Lake.
He was a graduate of Augustana Theological Seminary in Rock Island, IL, (now The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago) and was ordained as a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1958. He received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. During his ministry he served a total of thirty-five years at Walnut Hill Lutheran Church in Dallas, TX and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Garland, TX.
Following retirement, Dewey and Jan moved to Lake Kiowa, TX and finally to Hendersonville, NC to be closer to their children. Dewey was active in retirement pursuing his passion for woodworking and clock/watch restoration. He enjoyed sharing his skills by helping others in his community.
Dewey touched the lives of many through his life and ministry. He lived a full life and, by example, showed us what it is to be a truly loving, compassionate and giving person. He was deeply loved by many. He valued his family and community, cherished his Swedish heritage, and enjoyed attending family reunions.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Janet L Johnson, and children, Jenell Wright (Wilson), Ren? StClair (Steve), Linda Hales Johnson, Steven Johnson (Kenya), as well as siblings, Elsie Wall (Roger), Marian Olson (Curtis), Kathryn Bly and Lynnette Johnson (Robert). Twin brothers, Arthur and Arnold, died in infancy. He also had 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who loved their Papa.
A memorial service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Arden, NC on March 26 at 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Heritage Hills in Hendersonville on March 23 at 4:00 pm and at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Garland, TX on May 3 at 2:00 pm.
Memorial donations may be given to Lutheran Church of the Nativity, 2425 Hendersonville Rd, Arden NC 28704.