Gerhald J. Johnson, age 61, of Ham Lake, Minn., died after a courageous battle with melanoma cancer.

He was preceded in death by mother, Doris; and brother, Donald.

He is survived by wife, Joan; children: Jay, Michele (Jere Millner), Brenda Hostetler (Jason), Eric and Ryan; grandchildren: Dylan, Lauren, and Madalynn; father, Hjalmer; and twin sister, Judith Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will go towards his children’s educations.

A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church of the Epiphany, 111th and Hanson Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. Friends may gather one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Washbuirn -McReavy Seman Chapel, Coon Rapids, is in charge of arrangements.