Charles “Chuck” Johnson, 73, Princeton

March 19, 1943 - April 2, 2016

Charles “Chuck” Johnson, age 73 of Princeton, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Chuck was born March 19, 1943 in San Diego, California to Roy and Catherine (Kent) Johnson.

Chuck grew up in Appleton, Minnesota and attended Appleton High School graduating in 1961. He attended and played football at South Dakota State and St. Cloud State. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1965 and began teaching 6th grade in Princeton. In August 1965 he married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Schmidt. They made their home in Princeton and were blessed with 4 children. Chuck taught elementary school, led summer programs at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge and coached football and track over his 34 years in education. During his career, he was honored as an MEA Teacher of Excellence in 1973 and received the Minnesota HS Football Coaches Association Butch Nash Award in 1989. Mr. Johnson retired from teaching in 1999 but continued on as a substitute and athletic trainer until his death. In 2006 he was inducted into the Princeton High School Activities Hall of Fame.

He loved his family and working with kids. He seldom missed the opportunity to attend grandkids sporting events and activities. Chuck enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors with family and friends. For nearly 50 years he and a group of good friends went on an annual fishing trip to Northern Minnesota. For the past 15 years he led a family trip to the same location.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Elaine; his children, Marc (Tracey), Phillip (Jill), Christine (Kevin) Bottema-VanderWal, and Joni (Joe) Kurland; his grandchildren, Brendan, Jacob, Joshua, and Casey Johnson, Katie, Ryan and Luke Bottema, Chase and Bryce VanderWal, Alayna, Nate, and Emma Kurland; his brothers, Kermit (Nancy) Johnson and Thomas (Bonnie) Johnson; many relatives, friends, and a host of former students and student athletes.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Robert; and his mother-in-law, Dorothy Hans.