Rodger J. Johnston

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Johnston, Rodger J. age 74, of Browerville. May 1, 1943 Sept. 19, 2017 Rodger J. Johnston passed away on September 19, 2017, with his loving family by his side. Rodger was a devoted husband of 45 years. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Johnston, brother, Col. Ronald (Sheila) Johnston, children, Jay (Molly) Johnston and Elizabeth (Peter) Schnobrich and grandchildren Peyton, Cole, Liam, Eden, Ellianna, and Amelia. Rodger earned a degree in Economics from Moorhead State, and attended the School of Law at the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1969. Always adventurous, Rodger enjoyed traveling the world with his family and being a true Renaissance Man. He began his career as a lawyer, spending most of his time as a public defender and then went into community banking while maintaining his license to practice law. During his time as a lawyer and until retiring as CEO/Chairman of American Heritage National Bank, Rodger's accomplished list of entrepreneurial achievements also included owning and operating supper clubs and a cattle ranch, founding the youth horse camp known as Little Elk Ranch, designing two bank buildings known as the Log Banks in St. Cloud, creating the Prairie Companions travel club for seniors that he relished leading internationally, commemorating public memorials to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, developing a federally chartered museum for American Indian history, and authoring three published books. Rodger touched the lives of so many, by supporting a number of causes and sharing his insight, business strategies, and love of learning. A gifted orator, Rodger could capture you with a perfectly crafted story at anytime. An extraordinary man with an amazing mind and larger than life personality, Rodger truly lived life to the fullest. He will be missed deeply. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc (alz.org). Funeral services will be Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Benson Funeral Home Chapel, St. Cloud, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Published on September 24, 2017