Obituary of Theodore Arnold Johnson, Jr.

Theodore Arnold Johnson, Jr. died peacefully in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 31st at the age of 77. Ted is survived by his sons Nate Johnson and Ted (Sonya) Johnson; grandchildren Noah, Paige, and Stella (Tanya Phillips, Stella’s mother); sisters Barb (Mel) Dyer and Mary Glaeser; many nieces and nephews; and special family friends Lisa, Andre, and Vaughn Phillips. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marylee Martig Johnson, parents, Theodore Johnson, Sr. and Dora Johnson, and brother, Perry Johnson. Ted was born on February 19, 1943 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Theodore and Dora (Van Alstine) Johnson. He graduated from St. Paul Johnson High School in 1961 and the University of Minnesota in 1966 with a degree in Sociology. He met Marylee while at the University. They reconnected after Ted returned from military service in 1968, after being stationed in South Korea during the War in Vietnam. They were married in St. Paul on March 7, 1970. He taught in the Roseville Area School District for 32 years. As a teacher at Alexander Ramsey High School and Roseville Area High School, and several elementary schools in the district, he was adored by his students and fellow staff and known to many as simply “TJ”. He embraced the idea that education is a process and not a product. He firmly believed in a collective effort and was actively involved in the Roseville Federation of Teachers, and served as the union’s president for a period of time. Ted will be remembered for his passionate love of teaching, his care and guidance of his sons and grandchildren, and his unwavering support of his wife, Marylee during her long battle with cancer. His love for antiques and collectibles was evident throughout his century-old home, which he loved to restore and maintain. Ted was Charismatic, compassionate, fun-loving, and a wonderful father, grandfather, husband, uncle, brother-in-law, and dear friend to so many. He did his best to wear his heart on his sleeve and was never afraid to share his opinion or tell a good story. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be sent to the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center. A celebration of life will be scheduled as the world allows...