Harley Emmit Johnson Jr.

Harley Emmit Johnson Jr., age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family at home.

Harley was preceded in death by his father, Harley Emmit Johnson.

Born in St. Paul, raised in Roseville, MN and graduated from White Bear Lake High School. On November 28, 1981, he married wife, Deborah Kruger, and together they made their home on the family’s sod farm in Hugo, MN. There, they raised their two children, Shannon and Harley Jr. III (Jay), and built a life rooted in hard work, humor, and deep family pride.

Harley lived his life with unwavering dedication to the sod farm he built from the ground up. The farm was his passion and his purpose. When he wasn’t working the fields, he could be found on a fishing trip to Canada—his second favorite place—or out hunting and enjoying the outdoors he so deeply loved.

Harley is survived by his wife, Deborah Johnson; his children, Shannon (Jason) Kilmartin and Harley Jr. III (Shannon) Johnson; grandchildren, Justin (Amelia) Lexvold and Cash Kilmartin; a great-grandson on the way; his mother, Margie; sisters Harlyn and Judy (Steve); brother Kent (Tammy); and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

A Memorial service will be held at 12 PM, on Friday, November 28, 2025, at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Visitation will be held 10 am - 12 pm, prior to the service at the funeral home. Luncheon to follow at 2pm. Location: HD Sod Farm at 40190 Iris Ave, North Branch, MN 55056

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to their friends, loyal customers, Brighton Hospice, and Cornerstone Caregivers for the compassion, support, and gentle guidance they provided during Harley’s final journey.

May his legacy continue to grow—steady, strong, and ever-lasting—like the fields he tended with so much pride.