Gene Edward Johnson, 74, of Grand Rapids died Friday, January 15, 2010, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital. Gene Edward Johnson, 74, of Grand Rapids died Friday, January 15, 2010, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital. Gene served in the Army from 1953 to 1956 in the 899th Tank Battalion in Germany. He worked in construction in the Twin Cities and Grand Rapids. He enjoyed traveling in his Corvette or on his motorcycle. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathy in 2007; and son, Gary in 2004. Survivors include his children, Jim (Lorna) of Grand Rapids, Gordy (Donna) of Grand Rapids, Judy (Elmer) Rupert of Pengilly, Karen Sobey of Hibbing, Doug of Salt Lake City, Mike of Hibbing, and Mary Harrison of Minneapolis; sixteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brothers, Curtis (Jackie) of St. Paul, Jim (Mildred) of St. Paul, Milton of Pennsylvania, and Nick (Lorraine) of Grand Rapids, and a sister Charlotte (Dick) Simonson of St. Paul. Visitation is from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. service on Saturday January 23 at Grand Rapids Alliance Church. Burial with military honors: Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine. Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN. "Serving the Family for Generations" 218-326-4000.