Charles E. “Charlie” Johnson, 86, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus-Rochester.

Charles Eugene was born Oct. 25, 1932, in Austin, Minnesota, to Oscar and Bernice (Roberts) Johnson. He graduated with the Class of 1950 from Austin High School. Charlie married Madelyn Smith in 1950 in Austin. Together, they had three children, Cheryl, Jerry and Jim. Charlie and Madelyn later divorced. Charlie began his working career with the Austin Park and Recreation Department. In 1957, he married Nancy Lewis in Austin. To this union, three daughters were born, Linda, Gail and Bobbie Jo. Charlie was a hard worker and entrepreneur. He started several businesses over the years, including Chuck’s Dog Ranch, Kue Klub, and Austin Bowl. He eventually left his job at Park and Rec to devote more time to his bowling alley. Charlie expanded the business to include the adjoining supper club (formerly Tommy’s), and it became Charlie’s Bowl and Lounge. He later started Charlie’s Bar on the Austin’s east side, and Charlie’s Mini-Mall in Myrtle, Minnesota.

Charlie had a love of animals and enjoyed time on his hobby farm with his horses, llamas, pigs, peacocks and goats, just to name a few. He was a Richard Petty and NASCAR fan and collector of lunch boxes and goat memorabilia. During his time in business, he sponsored many local bowling and softball teams. Charlie will be remembered for his one-liners: “Am I right or am I wrong, just think about it,” “We have no bananas today,” and “We have rules!”

He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Mike) Nelson of Glenville, Minnesota, Linda (Larry) Barclay of Austin, Gail (Dan) Nasby of Albert Lea, Minnesota, and Bobbie Jo Utzka of Owatonna, Minnesota; his many grandchildren; great grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy, in 2011; sons, Jerry and Jim; son-in-law, David Utzka; grandson, Shane Johnson; infant granddaughter, K.C. Gale; brothers and sisters-in-law, Arnold and Norma Johnson, Bud and Betty Johnson and Dale and Vlasta Johnson; and half sister, Dorothy (Jerry) Einertson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary with Pastor Patrick Ziems officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019, at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary and for one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Austin.