Wayne Everett Johnston

Wayne Johnston (90) of Woodbury and formerly of Elmore passed away Friday July 12, 2019 at his home surrounded by family at Stonecrest Presbyterian Senior Living Homes in Woodbury. An open house celebration of life will be held at Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth, MN Sunday July 21 from 12-2:30pm. A committal service will follow at the Riverside Cemetery. Online condolences can be left at www.pattonfh.com

Wayne Everett Johnston was born October 25, 1928 to James and Susie (Holcomb) Johnston in Blue Earth, MN. The youngest of five children, he was raised, educated, and farmed in Blue Earth.

On June 16, 1960 he married the love of his life, Saundra (Apka) Johnston. Together they raised four children on their farm in Pilot Grove. Although farming was Wayne’s first passion, he also enjoyed selling insurance in the area for several years. He led by example the importance of having faith as a firm foundation for living and raising his family. He was a member of the Elmore United Methodist Church and Gideon International for many years. After retiring, Wayne and Sandy lived in various places within Minnesota including Blue Earth, Hackensack, Stewartville, and settling in Woodbury in 2005. They also enjoyed several winters traveling via RV to Arizona. Wayne’s favorite past time was playing cards, participating in Stonecrest bingo and men’s’ club, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. In recent years, he has appreciated the support and friendships developed at Stonecrest. He will be remembered for his humor and stories of his siblings, Irish heritage, and farming adventures with his twin brother Jimmy.

Wayne, saved by grace through faith in Jesus, is now celebrating in Heaven with those who preceded him in death; his parents, James and Susie (Holcomb) Johnston; sisters, Opal Hansen and Arlene Evans; brothers, Richard Johnston and James (Jimmy) Johnston.

Left to cherish all his wonderful memories are his wife Sandy; his children, Tami (Kris) Johnston of Afton, MN; Tracy (Terri) Johnston of Waynesville, OH; Marinda (Steve) Gansmoe of Woodbury, MN and Cameron (Vachelle) Johnston of Afton, MN. Grandchildren, Brandon (Heather), Travis (Michelle), Danielle, and Joey Wannarka; Taylor, Tiarra, and Tanner Gansmoe; Grace and Madison Johnston. Great-grandchildren, Talon and Eilley Wannarka, Layla Wannarka, step great-grandchildren Alyssa and Adam Browning; sister-in-law, Betty Johnston as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or Lupus Foundation of America would be appreciated.