Russell LeRoy Johnson, age 77, of New Brighton, died Thursday, February 16, 2012, in Excelsior, Minnesota.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Renville.  The Rev. Tom Evenson will officiate.  Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery in Renville.  Visitation will be on Tuesday one hour prior to the services at the church in Renville.  Arrangements with Dirks-Blem Funeral Home in Renville. 
Russell LeRoy Johnson was born on March 4, 1934, in Renville, Minnesota to Gustav Julius and Elvira Amanda (Loving) Johnson.  He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Renville.  Russell grew up in Renville and graduated as Valedictorian of the Renville High School Class of 1951.  Shortly after graduation, Russell and his family moved to Mountain Lake, Minnesota.  Russell served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  Following his discharge from the service, Russell continued his education at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities, graduating with a BS in Electrical Engineering.  While at the U of M, Russell met and later married Carole Jean Hoppe, together they had three children.  Carole passed away in 1997.  Russell was a devoted employee at the Honeywell Corporation for over 35 years.  He enjoyed working on his lawn and growing flowers, and cherished the time he spent with his great granddaughter Lily. 
Survivors include his three children:  Rodd (and Sarah) Johnson of Minneapolis, Jeff (and his friend Karen) Johnson of Austin, TX, Deb (and Chris) Willadsen of Excelsior, MN; his six grandchildren:  Kaila, Lucas, Michael, Eric, and Lauren; his great granddaughter Lily; his brothers and sisters:  Dorothy Wohlman of Renville, Helen Knudson of Olivia, Marion Haug of Renville, Wally Johnson of Lakeville, Caroline Felland of White Bear Lake, and Erma Bieri of Minot, ND; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Leonard, Clifford, and Donald.