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The Biography of a Viking

A Tribute to a Great Friend and a Superior Athlete

By Kathy Johnson and Henry Gallenz

Arny Johnson was born in Duluth, MN, to parents that immigrated to the country from Norway.  He grew up with 5 brothers and you might say that he truly was a “Big Brother” to them.  He had a great love for outdoor winter sports – skiing, ice skating and hockey- and also loved to climb the hills around Duluth.  After graduation, Arny worked at the Greyhound Bus Depot, where he met his future wife, Kathy.

In 1942, he joined the Navy and served on several ships, going to North Africa, Italy and other spots.  When he returned, he and Kathy were married and moved to Rockford.  He loved people and became very active in his church and in many organizations.  He was a leader with the Boy Scouts, participated in races in Skiing Clubs, and running marathons, including Boston, as a member of Rockford Road Runners.

Arny and Kathy had two children, Allen (Los Angeles) and Sandy (La Crosse, WI).  There are four grandchildren, two that were born after Arny passed away.  Tragically, Arny was killed while riding his bike.  He has been missed, but he will always be remembered.  Kathy writes “it was quite an honor when the Boylan Classic Race was changed to the Arny Johnson Classic in memory of him.  His family and I are truly appreciative.”

We didn’t realize how lucky we were to have a person like Arny in our Club.  Skiing was his first love; after all, he was a Viking.  From 1974 to 1984, he skied all the Birkebeiner cross country 55K races.  He normally won or placed high in his age bracket.  He participated in many marathons, which included all 7 of the Rockford Marathons.  He also ran the DeKalb, North Central College, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Pavo Nurmi, Twin Cities, and Grandma’s in addition to Boston.  He even had a personal record at Boston!  He also ran the Syttete Mai 20 mile run and participated in several triathlons.  Arny was a great competitor.  Arny was more then just a great athlete.  If he was not competing, he would be volunteering for events or clubs. 

What can be said to adequately sum up the total of one’s life … especially when it wasn’t allowed to run its due course?  There occurs in our lives a moment set aside to honor the memory of one special, unique human being and a darn good runner.  Arny, you are missed!