Daryl Lee Johnson

Survived by loving wife, Dawn Schnickels-Johnson. Children, Rachel (Shawn) Wicks, Jodi (Ed) Cochran, and Michael (Kirsten). The grandchildren he adored, Katelyn, Kyle, Karlee, Sam, Isabel, Abby, Paige, and Tillie; father, Lawren; sister, Patti (Joe) Pulice; brothers, Keith (Penny) and Mark (Patty); sisters-in-law, Gale (Scott) Chambers and Kay (Bob) Buchman; brothers-in-law, Steve Schnickels, Marvin Schnickels and Mark (Diane) Schnickels; 5 nieces and 7 nephews, including godson, Jeff. Also, 8 great-nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Preceded in death by mother, Alzina; and mother and father-in-law, Helen and Marvin Schnickels.

Daryl was a well known, talented musician who began playing when he was nine on accordion with his brother Keith on guitar. They eventually formed a number of local bands, including the Buttons, the Ivymen, Briskoe and finally Stage-brush. In 1976 Stagebrush opened Blainbrook and played all across the state for over 15 years. Daryl's great voice, along with his memory for thousands of songs and the ability to play multiple instruments, especially the piano, enabled him to have a long career in the music business. Daryl was humbled when Stagebrush was nominated and put into the Upper Midwest Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2006. After 40 years in the music business he went to work for the railroad until he retired in May 2014. Daryl and Dawn traveled throughout the country, but felt their second 'home' was Kona, Hawaii. Daryl found great joy and pride in watching his grandchildren. He loved hearing about their sports activities and excited some had inherited his ear for music, even performing mini concerts in our living room. Daryl fought courageously for over two years to overcome bladder cancer, passing quietly in Dawn's arms surrounded by family in his final hours. Rest in Peace without pain and the knowledge that we all loved you dearly. A special thank you to all the medical staff at the University of Minnesota Oncology in Maple Grove clinic and the Fairview Hospice staff. Also, to all the friends and family who visited and supported us through those days.

~Visitation~

Thursday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. and 1 hr. prior to the service.

~Funeral Service~

FRIDAY 11:00a.m. All will be held at Gearhart Funeral Home,

11275 Foley Boulevard NW

Coon Rapids, MN 55448.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.

GEARHART 763-755-6300

GearhartFuneralHome.com