Gerald W. Johnson age 75 of Audubon, MN died June 26, 2026 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his loving family.

Gerald Wayne Johnson was born October 18, 1950 in Detroit Lakes, MN to Harold and Ethelyn (Dorff) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm south of Audubon and attended Country School. He later attended Audubon High School, where he graduated in 1968. He then attended the Detroit Lakes Vocational and Technical College in their Agriculture Program. Shortly after he started his career with North Dakota State University in their Agronomy Department. In 1970 he was married to Debbie Miller. They made their home in rural Audubon and had three children. In 1980 he married Arlyce Jacobson. They moved to Fargo, ND in 1984. One of Jerry’s accomplishments at NDSU was the development of a very hardy strain of Winter Wheat, which to this day still bears the name “Jerry Winter Wheat.” Upon his retirement they moved back to rural Audubon.

In his retirement he worked on the grounds crew at Wildflower Golf Course, cutting grass. His favorite hobbies included; gardening, hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards and shooting pool. He was also an avid MN Vikings fan. He loved dogs and always had a dog by his side. He had a great sense of humor, and was known as a professional Prankster. Jerry always wanted a place on a lake and his son helped him achieve that dream by building a cabin for him a few years back on Stump Lake in North Dakota. Jerry was also very active in the Cormorant Sportsman’s Club, serving as Past President and Gambling Manager.

He is survived by his wife, Arlyce; two daughters, Melanie Pihlaja, of Frazee, MN; and Melissa Selzler, of Fargo, ND; one son, Mitch (Karen) Johnson, of Climax, MN; four grandchildren, Laura (Brett) Gildersleeve, William Pihlaja, Morgan Selzler, and Brooke Selzler; one sister, Sandra Jacobson, of Audubon, MN; and one brother, Jim (Sandy) Johnson, of Audubon, MN; Sons in law, Andy Pihlaja, and Craig Tjepkes; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Karen Eliassen; and his parents.