Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth “Kayo” Johnson, age 67, of Danbury died July 8, 2012 at his home. Ken was born on February 14, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to Carl and Anne (Johnson) Leman. He married Irene Sutton on May 14, 1966 in Pine City, Minnesota. Ken worked at Sears as an auto mechanic in Minneapolis for about 4 years and for 10 years worked for the Minneapolis Police Reserve. He then worked for the Town of Swiss Police Department, and spent 5 years as Police Chief for the St. Croix Tribal Police Department. He spent 17 ½ years of his career working for Burnett County Sheriff’s Department where he was a Deputy Sheriff, the D.A.R.E officer and an investigator. Ken was a lifetime member of WOJA, a member of the Danbury Lions Club both of which he served as president. Ken was also a member of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). He received many accredited certificates during his career; Certificate of Commendation for Services to the Children in WI Public Schools, Certificate of Completion Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country and attended the Executive Leadership Program. Ken was a kind man with a gentle heart who was a pleasure to be around. He enjoyed model cars, and watching old movies. His family was important and spending time with them was his biggest joy. Ken was preceded in death by his daughter LeAnn and his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Irene; daughter Karrie; granddaughters Kennedy and Jordan; his brother Dave Iverson and sister Sue (Greg) Swanson; along with other relatives and many friends. Funeral services were held on Friday, July 13, 2012 at the Lake Lena Community Center in Ogema Township, Pine County, Minnesota with Francis Songetay officiating. Interment followed at the Rosehill Cemetery in Hinckley, Minnesota. Casketbearers were Blake Sears, Pat Taylor, Kelly Buskirk, Ed Christensen, Jr., Morris Bearhart, Jr., and Henry Bearhart. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Family Funeral Home, Webster, WI. Online condolences can be made at www.swedberg-taylor.com