David Robert Johnston, 72, Rochester

David Robert Johnston, 72, of Rochester, passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2021, due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

He was born April 22, 1948, the only child to Jean (Woodward) and Robert Johnston. He was always surrounded by many cousins, aunts and uncles, growing up on the family farm outside of Dodge Center.

Dave attended Dodge Center High School and married Gail Sinclair on Aug. 19, 1967. They had two daughters, Michelle (Troy) Shulze and Jessica (Randy) Robinson, both of Dodge Center, and later divorced.  On May 2, 1998, he married Patricia Amundrud, and her children, Eric, Patrick and Amy joined the family.

He was a union welder for various companies, including Donaldson Construction, Northern Pipeline, Rochester Plumbing and Heating, Michels Pipeline, Himec and Aconite. He retired in 2010. Dave was a member of the Local 6 Union Hall, Sons of the American Legion and First Congregational Church.

Dave was a doting son who cared for his parents and a generous person who always worried about his family. He was a wonderful dad and grandpa and enjoyed spending time with family, fishing, NASCAR, football, socializing with friends at the American Legion and playing pull tabs.

In addition to his wife, daughters, their husbands and stepchildren, he is survived by his grandchildren, Ashton (Brett) Franko, Alexa (Dustin) Streff, Mackenzie (Brock) Franko, Madelyn, Isabel and Natalie Robinson, Benjamin and Hope Amundrud; great-grandchildren, Dakotta, River, Gracelynn and Dalton Streff; Mabel and Oakley Franko.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepson, Patrick Amundrud.

A funeral service for David will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street Dodge Center, MN 55927.  Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 19, 2021 at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center. 

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 25 South Street, Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507 )374-2155. Blessed be his memory.