David James Johnson

David James Johnson, 74, of Kasson MN passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Monday, March 11, 2024, at Mayo Clinic St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester MN.

Dave was born on January 26, 1950, in Oakes ND to Donald & Phyliss (Frederick) Johnson. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1968 and immediately started his lifetime of public service by enlisting in the US Navy. In 1969 he married Irene Marthaler in Milton, Florida and had a daughter, Victoria; they were married for 22 years and later divorced. After his honorable discharge in ‘72, Dave began his law enforcement training through the Job Corps in St. Paul MN, the Army Reserves, including working as a guard in the Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary.

Dave worked in the communities of Dassel and Springfield, MN before becoming a patrol officer with the Kasson Police Department in 1980. Over the next 28 years of service, he worked to keep the Kasson-Mantorville community safe through his work with the SE MN Narcotics and Gang Task Force. He worked to keep kids safe as a school DARE officer and a gun safety trainer, helping many get their DNR certificates. As Kasson’s Chief of Police, he hired their first female officer. He also brought the K-9 program to Dodge County, finding a way to combine his love for dogs with his dedication to law enforcement.

For those who knew Dave personally, he was a good friend and mentor. An avid gunsmith, with a treasure trove of gun knowledge he was willing to share with others. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, summer was for fishing on the lake and fall was for the annual deer hunting trip. He loved to cook his family’s turkey dinner or to have something slowly smoking away, just waiting to hear all the compliments.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Victoria (Brian) Weisen of St. Augusta MN grandchildren; April Lahr (Kyle Wesenberg) of Sartell MN, Shelby Weisen of Minneapolis MN, Clay Weisen of St. Augusta MN. Great-grandsons, Paxton and Zion Wesenberg of Sartell MN. His life partner of 32 years, Nancy “Sunny” Reich, and her daughters, Vicki (Doug) Schweiger of Dodge Center, MN, and Juanita (Terry) Sears of Kasson, grandsons, Derrek (CJ Nielson) Sanchez and Joseph Schweiger; great-grandchild, Willow; as well as his loyal furry family members Sadie, Robby, and Patches.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Doug, infant sister, and grandparents. We are sure his loyal pets Gypsy, Ivan, Cricket, Taffy, Smokey, Lady, Zeke, Ike, Tina, Buster, and Chance were waiting to greet him at heaven’s gate.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN with Pastor Roger Langworthy officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in Kasson and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.  A luncheon will follow his service.  A private family burial with military honors will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN at a later date.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be his memory.