A successful marriage requires falling in love many times...always with the same person.

- Mignon McLaughlin

Floyd and Judy Johnson’s love story started the spring of 1958 at the Ramble Inn restaurant along Hwy. 10 in Becker (currently the site of Rebecca’s Café). Judy Zindler was working as a waitress and Floyd Johnson decided to grab a bite to eat with his friend Bruce Borst. Floyd was home from serving in the U.S. Army. He was clearly a prankster and after eating his meal, Floyd handed the waitress (Judy) a check written out to George Washington! Judy had to go back to Floyd’s table, at which time Floyd asked her what time she would be getting off work and when he came back later, Judy was not there.Floyd was not daunted. He found out where Judy lived and drove to her house.

After six months of dating, Floyd and Judy tied the knot at South Santiago Lutheran Church Oct. 25, 1958. They have been making each other laugh ever since.

Judy was one of seven children born to Robert and Louise Zindler. Floyd was one of 13 children born on a dairy farm to Carl and Irene Johnson. Floyd attended school in Becker and graduated in 1952. Judy graduated from Becker in 1958.

After getting married, the couple lived in Fridley on the river briefly and then on the Mississippi River along Hwy. 10 in Anoka for a short time before moving to Becker in 1971, where they broke ground and Floyd built a house he and Judy and their family would call home for almost half a century.

Floyd and Judy raised three children: Sue (Randy) Kasper, Scott (passed away in 2007 at age 47), and Sandra (Mark) Moedritzer.

Floyd  worked in construction and owned a dump truck. Floyd was known as a jack of all trades. He was very mechanically inclined and it was widely known he could fix almost anything.

The family had a huge garden and it was not uncommon to see deer and other wildlife in their yard. They raised buffalo, beef cattle, goats, horses, and scores of cats and dogs over the years. The family also had a pet pig named Petunia that Sandy would ride to the mailbox for entertainment.

The kids recall fond memories of running through the corn fields of Sherburne County, ice skating at Lee and Dorothy Gilyards farm nearby,  playing softball and badminton in the middle of  Hwy. 23 when there was almost no traffic and life was simple and carefree. It was a time when people didn’t even lock their doors at night.

Floyd and Judy’s daughter Sue and son-in-law (Randy Kasper) own an excavating company and always parked the company equipment  at  Floyd and Judy’s house.  Floyd really enjoyed watching the excavating trucks come in and out of their yard.

Floyd and Judy moved into Becker almost two years ago, after living in the country for 47 years.

Floyd and Judy certainly miss their home and country living since moving into Becker. They now live in a development  and thoroughly enjoy their new neighbors.

The Ericksons and the Johnsons have been friends for decades.

My older brothers and sisters attended school with several of Judy and Floyd’s siblings. My siblings and I also share a few great nieces and nephews with Floyd.

Judy was a Sunday School teacher to some of my older siblings at South Santiago Lutheran Church. 

The past 15 years, my sisters and I often accompanied our mom to Floyd and Judy’s annual garage sale at their home in the country. Many of Judy’s sisters would be at the sale and we really enjoyed reminiscing and visiting, as our paths don’t cross very often anymore with all of our busy lives.

Floyd and Judy’s daughter Sue had this to say about her parents: “I admire so much about my parents. I love their kindness and how they tease each other daily and smile often. I love how they want to help their family and also anyone who needs help and to always be kind and remember you never know what someone is going through. My dad has been amazing at helping us with with anything we needed since it seems he can build or fix anything and he even made us smile after he was done helping!”

Their daughter Sandra shared: “One of the things I love the most about my parents is their sense of humor. We have said for years that my parents  could have been in a sitcom. They make people feel at ease immediately and are such a joy to be around! They are very special and we know how blessed we are to have them as parents!”

Judy told me that COVID has been challenging, yet the couple has enjoyed each other’s company during these trying times.

Judy says she really misses playing cribbage every Monday at Santiago town hall (as she has for the past 20 years), but they have kept themselves busy putting puzzles together, playing Farkle, cribbage and other card games at home.

Floyd and Judy can often be found sitting outside (social distancing) and visiting with friends and neighbors when the weather allows.

Floyd and Judy admit they have been pleasantly surprised how much they have enjoyed their house in town after living in the country for almost a 47 years.

When asked what advice Judy has for newly married couples, she had this to say: “Take one day at a time!”

Judy told me she and Floyd consider their family (children and grandchildren) their biggest blessings.

Floyd and Judy have seven grandchildren and  12 great grandchildren plus one more on the way

Despite experiencing hardships such as the loss of their only son at age 47 and other difficult circumstances, Floyd and Judy remain upbeat and positive and consider each passing day with one another a precious gift.

Floyd and Judy Johnson are a shining example of commitment to each other.