Samuel Eugene Johnson

On Friday, January 31, 2025, our beloved Samuel Eugene Johnson went home to be with his Savior. We are deeply grateful for the 36 years we were able to spend with him. Sam was a kind and thoughtful man of great depth, unwavering faith, and had a love-filled character. He had the gift of making us laugh just by being him and shared himself through music and creativity whether it be drawing, literature, making movies, being in a band, or food. Sam cared so much about others, giving to them before himself. His earthly home was St. Paul, MN where he was born and where he passed. His passion for great food and great food prep was woven into his work in the industry; he worked in some of the finest kitchens and restaurants in St. Paul. Growing up in Forest Lake, MN, Sam loved being on the water whether it be knee boarding behind the boat or fishing for bass in the channel near where he lived. When winter came, he enjoyed being outside snowboarding and in the summer he’d be on his skateboard or bike, all of these passions were shared and enjoyed with his lifelong friends. Sam’s passion and love for music was at the heart of who he was and was woven throughout the chapters of his life. Participating in school band, marching band, rock bands with his siblings and friends, playing on his own and attending McNally Smith college of music, all of these musical channels resonated with Sam as he shined brightly through these outlets. A song of the day was shared between him and his buddies, something that Sam started between them 10 yrs ago. Whether it was playing the acoustic guitar, piano, or drums and percussion, he had a remarkable gift-a natural ability to play music that resonated deeply with anyone who heard it. Sam’s love for his family and friends was and is still felt. He shared a special bond with his loving friend, Whitney Berg. He is survived by her along with his mother, Lauralee (Guy) Hlavinka, father, Larry (Terri); siblings, Matthew (Caitlin), Timothy (Megan), Joseph (Nicci) Hanson, Katie (Ross), Alexander Hlavinka, Rachel (Ben) Palmateer, Thomas; uncles, Bryan (Linda), Rob Raymond, Bill Bates, Bud (Becky) Bates; his nieces, nephews, and many relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents; aunts, Bonnie Monley and Pam Raymond; and uncle, Carl Bates. Over the years, Sam had made many enduring steps towards living a life free of the throes of addiction and though Sam passed from this very battle we know he fought hard. In honor of Sam, a send off gathering and service will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM at Roberts Family Funeral Home in Forest Lake, MN. A luncheon will be served immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a monetary donation in Sam’s honor, the family asks that contributions be given to the family directly in support of the ceremony and/or to a local recovery centered program of your choosing. Thank you for being here and for being in Sam’s journey. Our loving Sam, as written in one of your notebooks,“Today was a great day, tomorrow will be okay.” Thank you for leaving us with these heartfelt words, and though you will be deeply missed it gives us hope that tomorrow will truly be okay. Thank you for sharing who you were with us, we love you forever Sam man.