Kenneth Maynard Johnson, 78, of Austin died Friday, March 24, 2017, at his home in Austin. 

He was born Nov. 27, 1938, in Austin, the son of Lowell F. and Jeanette (Thompson) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Austin High School in 1957.

After graduation, Kenneth worked at Cleveland Hardware in the Sterling Shopping Center. He met his future wife, Lucille Schlekau, on a blind date in the summer of 1969 and were married six months later on Dec. 6, 1969, in Mankato. They made their home in Austin, where they raised three sons. He enjoyed working on cars and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed being outdoors and collecting coins. He was employed by Cyrgus in Austin until the early 1990s, when he retired due to health issues.

He was a member of Queen of Angels Catholic Church and had been a member of the Thumpers Car Club in his younger days. His wife, Lucille, died on March 27, 2008.

Kenneth is survived by three sons, Matthew Johnson of Inver Grove Heights, Jonathan (Tonya) Johnson of Warren, Michigan, and Nathaniel (Kathy) Johnson of Owatonna; five grandchildren, Madisyn, Anna, Khloe, Cole and Sophia; sister, Rose (Dennis) Wendt, of Stewartville; two sisters-in-laws, Reve Rasmussen of Good Thunder and Karen Swank of Austin; niece, Penny (Tom) Thompson, of Albert Lea; and many other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lucille; four sisters, Lola Mae Johnson, Gloria Jean Johnson, Patricia K. Dockman and Lila Davis; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Dockham.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. The Rev. Dale Tupper will officiate. Interment will follow the service at Grandview Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.