Ernest “Ernie” “Big E” Henry Johnson, age 71 of Slayton, formerly of Marshall, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 4, 2026 in the comfort of his own home after a long battle with COPD. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at Hadley Lutheran Church in Hadley with a visitation one hour prior to the services at the church. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ernest Henry Johnson was born December 15, 1954 to Simon and Sophie (Huge) Johnson in Tyler, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Hadley Lutheran Church. Ernie attended Chandler High School and earned his GED while in the US Army, serving at Fort Hood in Texas. Ernie married Debra Wahl at Willow Lake Lutheran Church on November 29, 1975 and together they raised two sons. Ernie is remembered as a route driver for Schwans, which was located in Marshall, for almost two decades. He worked at several car dealerships and he retired after a long career at Lockwood Motors. Ernie could sell anything to anyone, but focused on being a “Wheeler dealer” and earned the name, “Honest Ern” while selling cars and JD lawn mowers on the side. Ernie was quite a jokester; always making people smile and sometimes lacking a filter. A man of strong faith and strong family values, Ernie was involved with the Hadley Lutheran Church until he went into the army, then rejoining several years ago along with his wife. He was also a member of the Roaring Lions Motorcycle Club and the Tuesday crew at the Hadley bar. Ernie had a love for classic cars; tinkering with them, keeping them running, and driving them in parades. He enjoyed playing cards, playing Pinochle and Canasta with his family often.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 50 years, Deb; sons: Jeremy (April Marczak) Johnson of Marshall & Jeff Johnson of Slayton; grandchildren: Caden (Kayla) Johnson of Willmar & Merron Johnson of St. Louis Park, their mother, Priscilla Willander of Jordan; great-granddaughter Sophie; siblings: Calvin (Gail) Johnson, Sandra (Les)DeGroot, Myron (Bev) Johnson, Richard Johnson & Tammy (Florencio) Torres-Reyes; many nieces & nephews; chosen family: Trent, Dane, Logan & McClain Winge; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Mary (Larry) Byrne, Margaret (Ron) Krupa, Linda Lindsley, Keith Johnson, Ed Johnson & Julie Ebbers; and nephews: Simon & Clayton Johnson and Jacob Sanow.