Obituary of Leonard LeRoy Johnson

On November 30, 2023 Leonard LeRoy Johnson passed on to be reunited with his beloved son Ryan, and his other loved ones who went before him. Leonard “Lenny” was born on March 20, 1931 in Duluth Minnesota to Walter G. And Julia A. Johnson.

Lenny was an adventurous boy, who found ways to keep himself entertained, and worry his mother with his antics. In Duluth, Lenny found a love for skiing and ski jumping. He had many years spent in competitive ski jumping where he did quite well, and was even inducted into the American Ski Jumping Hall of Fame in 2016. He was also a member of the 1956 Nordic Olympic Team, as well as being a member of countless ski clubs during his lifetime.

Lenny joined the U.S. Marine Corps, and actively served from 1948-1952. He was in the infamous Battle of the Chosin Reservoir while in the Korean War. During the Battle of the Chosin, he was wounded in duty on December 2, 1950. He received a Purple Heart for his bravery and service. Lenny was a lifetime member of the DAV and the Chosin Few.

Leonard was a court reporter for over 30 years, and owned his own court reporting business for many years. After he retired, Lenny followed his son Ryan out to Utah where he skied for the next 20 years at Snowbird Ski resort. He became a regular on the hill, and made many lifelong friends both on and off the mountain.

Leonard is preceded in death by his father and mother. His his twin sister Loraine passed away in 1955. His brother Darreld passed away in 1989. Leonard faced his greatest tragedy of his life when he lost his son Ryan on September 10, 1993. Lenny is survived by his nephew Darreld Johnson of Minnesota, and many friends throughout the United States.

Leonard was a young man, even into his later years. He loved juicing, sharing with others, healthy living, bulldogs, and engaging in lively conversations with friends and strangers alike. Leonard requested that his ashes be scattered on Hidden Peak at Snowbird, Utah.