Charles “Charlie” Johnston

Thursday, April 29, 1954
Date of Death:
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Age:
59 years old
Charles “Charlie” Johnston
Charles “Charlie” Johnston, age 59 of Rochester passed away peacefully on May 25, 2013 at Season’s Hospice following a motor vehicle collision with a snowplow during the treacherous May 2, 2013 blizzard.
Charlie was born on April 29, 1954 in Owatonna to Rhonald and Dorothy Johnston. He graduated from West Concord High School in 1972. Following two previous marriages, he married Barbara Margotta on October 27, 2006. Charlie worked in construction and later owned CJ’s Towing in Rochester. In 1989, he purchased Darrell’s Muffler Shop, and operated the shop for over 16 years. He then began work for Michel’s Pipeline Construction. He worked for Moody’s Towing until his passing. Charlie’s true love and passion was working on cars, especially GMCs and Chevys. He loved going on road trips, always seeking out a great burger. Along with his Class A Truck Driver’s License, he acquired a passion for flying, and obtained his pilot’s license. He also became an accomplished carpenter and was proud to say that he built all three of his homes. Charlie’s personality would light up any room he entered. Whenever he saw you, he’d always make sure to ask “so how we doin?” He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
Survivors include his wife Barb and step-children Jevin (Meghan) and Antonia (Josh) both of Rochester, his parents Rhonald and Dorothy Johnston of Kasson, three sisters Rhonda (Dwight) Hvitved of Goodhue, Bonnie Dettamonti of California, Barb (Tom) Threinen of Mantorville and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his infant brother Rodney and his grandparents.
A celebration of life for Charlie will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, May 31, 2013 at Autumn Ridge Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment of Charlie’s ashes will occur at a later date.
Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Charles “Charlie” Johnston has received the following condolences.
Barb, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I just heard tonight at the race track of his passing. I am just shocked. The track did a very nice tribute to Charlie tonight and held a moment of silence for him. He was a great guy. Who will be missed dearly. Cherish the memories you have of him. They will help you get through this, I know all too well. Stay strong and lean on friends and family when you have to. Take care. Godspeed Charlie.
Dear Toni,
I am so sorry to hear of what you and your family have been going through. You have my deepest sympathy in the passing of your step-dad. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the fond memories you have of him help in some way ease the feeling of loss.
Pat Hanson
I want to express my sadness to Barbie and the family, so sorry your time was left so short! Charlie will leave a memorie for life time. In the past years is when I knew Charlie best and he was full of fun and allways chalenging to do something new in his careers and allways hands on and would attemp to do fix most anything! A fine man and and so much fun!!! The world will miss Charlie for ever.
We are so sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. The sparkle in his eyes, the warm greeting he always had for everyone, treating all as if at that moment you were the most important person in the world, will always be remembered. His love for the burgers at Rebels and the support, was always special. Our hearts, our thoughts, and our prayers are with all those that loved him. May God hold you close, Barb.
Sue Bushee/Dennis Rabehl
Barb,
We are both are so sad to hear of Charlie's passing. Brian has had multiple work done by Charlie through Darrel's muffler and of course we got to know you through Tilly's in Oronoco. Please know we are all thinking of you in this time of great sadness. When you are ready we will all be here to support you!
Take care,
Brian and Michele Sisell (Pontoon girl)
My heartfelt condolences to Charlie's family. He was special. Always a ready smile, a pat on the back or hug, and his never ending opinion on any subject.
The summer we were 12 I remember him and Merlin Moreland riding their bikes into town. We would sit on my front porch eating sunflower seeds, watching the cars go by, and just hanging being friends. He was a good friend and my memories of him will always bring a smile.
Love...Boni
Charlie was always there to lend a helping hand. He always was willing to help anyone at the racetrack. He was the first to grab the jack or wrenches when some one was down.
God gained another good one
Charlie imprinted my heart forever & he will be remembered by all the great memories I shared with him in my life. Everywhere he went he left his mark. He was talented when it came to building cars, his homes, & if anyone had an idea, he would figure it out. He could put a car together from scratch, he just knew, what a talent! His love for racing and Motorcycles, were a highlight in his life. His mother & father were the top on his list, and I always admired that love he had for his parents. I thank the Father above, and Charlie's wonderful parents, for the life of Charlie we all experienced. I read a scripture today that reminded me of Charlie & how he is: 2 Timothy 4 6-8
My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now, a crown is being held for me - a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day"-not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again.
I was fortunate to be one of Charlie's friends & wife. My heart and prayers go out to his wife, Barb, & his family. May the peace of Christ be with you.
With the peace of knowing, when we all turn to dust, we will meet again.
Blessings,
Vicki
I was in Charlie's class of 1972. When we were in grade school we did a couple of sleepovers. As we got older we drifted apart as often happens. In high school we had Danny Grainger as a mutual friend. Danny left us very early. I'm sure they will enjoy being with each other.
So very sad to hear about Charlie making the transition to another world. Abe & I have fond memories of Charlie from back in the day, car auctions, buying, selling and making the deal of the day !! Will never forget some great rides and fun stops having a few cold ones along the way. Charlie was a very good man and will be greatly missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Our Condolences,
Flo Litwinczuk & Abe Junge
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that God will bless you through this time of sorrow and will confort you. Our sincere sympathies.
Terry and Joann Petersen
Good bye, Charlie. I'll see you soon.
Barb: Sending you thoughts and prayers during this time. There are very little words that will help during this difficult time, hopefully, knowing family, and friends surrounding you at this time will help bring comfort to you and Charlie's family. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
There are no words that will make any of this easier Barb. I just want you to know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers Big Love and Hugs in the upcoming days to help you thru
Sweet Charlie, you will be missed! Mom, Larry, and I will remember you as one of the greatest people to have touched our lives. An awesome friend and dance partner, neighbor and kind soul. Godspeed my friend. Love from our family to yours! Lori
Barb
I am so very sorry to hear about Charlie. I am glad to have had the chance to meet him. Please call me if you need anything.
Barb, I do wish I had been able to spend more time with you and Charlie, I know when I was around you two how happy he made you and you made him. Life is shorter then we think sometimes, And I am so very sorry for your loss.
Love you always.
Barb,
Ruth just called me...words can not express how so very sorry I am about what has happened. My heart goes out to you, and to the family, and close friends of Charlie. I will have you all in my prayers. If there is anything I can do, please let me know..Ruth has all my contact information. Love you Barb..sending you a huge huge hug...Please take care..love you, Nancy