Murray "Joe" Joseph Johnston Sr.

Born Sept. 22, 1938 in Memphis & raised in Nashville, TN, Joe Johnston attended Christ the King Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy; he was well-versed in the Latin Mass. In eighth grade, he snatched a cheerleader’s cap from his future bride-to-be, Ann Rowena Westenberger. At Father Ryan High School, Joe learned the trumpet & played to the Big Band sound. Strong in faith & a lively nature, he returned to the same altar when in 1960, he & Rowena exchanged wedding vows at Christ the King.

Joe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Middle TN State University while working for Samsonite & living in married student housing. In 1961, he tackled an English exam before daughter Margo‘s birth, & in 1963, a Business Law exam with son Joe, Jr.’s birth.

Before finishing his degree, Joe interviewed with American Lava, a subsidiary of Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing. A progressive career with 3M spelled relocation from TN, SC, & in 1974, to MN where the company headquartered. At home in Woodbury, a jar of assorted ceramic pieces marked his professional contributions to manufacturing centers & division operations — particularly in 3M’s Quality Control Division, as the "90s’ Mr. Q”.

There were no exams pending for Joe when Rowena gave birth to daughter Gena in 1976. She swapped primary education classrooms to teach three exceptional students in homes on Van Buren, Woodbluff, Steepleview, & Wedgewood. Built alongside Wedgewood's golf course, & located 200 yards on the left side of the fairway on #4, Joe & Rowena heard when any player with a nasty hook hit balls into their backyard or into the swimming pool. After many years in their stately house on the hill, Joe discovered their perfect place to retire while attending a 3M conference near Destin, FL. Their early years of water fun, an oceanside honeymoon, & many beach vacations stirred them to say yes in 2009 to salt air; powder-white sand; emerald waves at low & high tides.

At home at Silver Shells, Joe’s golf game improved; walks on the beach doubled; community service tripled: He volunteered with the University of FL to instruct seniors in beginner computer tech. He volunteered with Ascension’s Sacred Heart Hospital offering tours of the maternity ward; reassuring patients & visitors at hospital reception; & developing fundraisers for the Sacred Heart Guild. Eventually Joe served as Guild President, & diligently chaired the annual Duck Regatta. Joe & Rowena were happiest when hosting family & friends: “When are you coming to Destin?” was an invitation with every conversation.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, John Calvin, Sr. & Margaret (O’Reilly) Johnston; his brothers, John Johnston (FSC) & Edward Johnston. He is survived by his dearly loved spouse of 66 years, Rowena Johnston; his brother, Rev. Msgr. Michael Johnston; daughter Margo (& Dan) Swanson, son Joe Johnston, Jr. (Kimberly Rubel), & daughter Gena (& Mark) Hughes; and grandchildren, T.J. & Kate Swanson; James Johnston; Bridget & Hailey Hughes. Our families thank MN Hospice for remarkable guidance & responsiveness.

10 a.m. Visitation, 11a.m. Funeral Mass, followed by a luncheon, are scheduled at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 5426 12th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55417 on Friday, October 2, 2026.

Find & share condolences at: https://neptunesociety.com/obituaries/golden-valley-mn/murray-johnston-13000765.

In lieu of flowers, on Joe’s behalf, the family supports contributions to restoration measures in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area at www.friends-bwca.org/donate.