Frederick Loring Johnson

Frederick Loring Johnson, of Duluth, MN, lost his battle with cancer on March 23, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, at the age of 68.

Fred was born on July 13, 1955 in Hibbing, MN to Roland and Jeanette Johnson. He was the youngest of their 5 surviving children. He was named for both of his grandfathers, Fred and Erick. He was confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church of Mountain Iron; and a 1973 graduate of Mountain Iron High School.

Fred was a true artist. His degree from the University of Minnesota – Duluth was in Art, specializing in jewelry and silversmithing. His ability to bring the beauty of nature into our everyday life through his jewelry, stained glass, weaving, drawings, painting, pottery, and use of natural elements such as driftwood, stones, and various woods was unmatched. Everything was his medium. His ability to visualize the finished piece and his attention to detail were impeccable. His artwork can be seen everyday in the sanctuary of the Messiah Lutheran Church’s Rose window. He was a founder and owner of the Art Dock until his passing. This was an outlet for his creative abilities and venue to share his profound gift with the masses.

Fred was a constant in the tight knit Johnson family circle. He was a man you could count on, whether it was sharing and teaching his talents, helping with yardwork and projects, or being the lead design on all of the family DIY projects. He was the uncle that all the nieces and nephews anxiously awaited his arrival at family functions, as he was always willing to help them enjoy life. His enjoyment of life and artist talent spilled into all aspects of his life. His Halloween costumes referred to as the ostrich jockey, twins, and octopus were the envy of all the nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Jeanette Johnson; his sister, Susan Ollila; infant brother; and brother-in-law, Larry Timm.

He is survived by his siblings: Ronald (Margaret) Johnson, Deborah Timm, Marlys (Gerald) Hill; brother-in-law, Steven Ollila; special cousin, Sharon DeMar; nine nephews and nieces: Brian (Nancy) Johnson, Jason (Lori) Foucault, Jeremy Johnson, Jennifer Fredrickson, Katherine (William) Narog, Joseph (Michelle) Fredrickson, Sarrah (Travis) Kolari, Sean (Michelle) Timm, Derek Timm; and by many additional great nieces, great nephews, and friends, including Sandra and Audrey.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Mountain Iron on Tuesday April 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with the visitation being held one hour prior. Pastor Laura Mills Anderson will be the officiant. A reception and gathering in the Messiah Lutheran Church's Fellowship Hall will follow the Service.

The family would like to thank all the friends, family, and medical staff for the all the prayers and support through this difficult journey. We can all rejoice that Fred can now breathe.

A memorial service will be held from 1-3pm Sunday, April 28, 2024 at Pier B Resort Hotel in Duluth, Minnesota. Presentation and memory sharing from 1:30 to 2:15pm. Consider sharing a favorite memory of Fred and a photograph to add to the memory board.  Wear your 'Fred Jewelry'.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick Loring Johnson, please visit our floral store.