Elden Johnson Obituary

Elden Laurice Johnson Jr. of Arvada, Colorado peacefully passed away at his eldest daughter's home on Sunday afternoon, April 20, 2025.
On Nov. 24, 1933 Elden Laurice Johnson Jr. was born in Rock Springs, Wyoming as the eldest of four to Elden Laurice Sr. and Nellie (Santarelli) Johnson. He completed elementary and secondary schools in Rock Springs. From 1951-1955, he attended the University of Colorado - Boulder & obtained his mechanical engineering degree.
His first job out of college took him out to Downey, CA where he worked for North American Aviation Incorporated in the Autonetics division. In August of 1957, he came back to the Denver area and helped build rockets for The Martin Company. During that time, he met his future wife, Marilyn Merrins, an elementary school teacher in Wheat Ridge, Colorado at the time. They tied the knot on April 9, 1960 and soon moved back to Rock Springs, Wyoming where he worked for the Johnson family business – Johnson Service & Supply Co., Howard's Cafe and White Mountain Lodge. Their daughter, Lesley Ann, was born in Rock Springs. In September of 1966, the family of three moved to St. Paul, Minnesota where he worked for Elliott Business Machines Inc. as a mechanical engineer supervisor. They moved to Arvada, Colorado in June of 1968, where he worked for Coors Brewing Company in Golden, Colorado as a mechanical engineer and specialized in refrigeration. During that time their daughter, Carrie Ellen, was born. Elden and Marilyn stayed in Arvada and raised their two girls. He retired from Coors in November of 1993.
On a more personal note, he will be remembered for...
- Enjoying time with family and staying busy at his family's ranch near Pinedale, Wyoming.
- His unique way of blending his engineering mind with his desire for practicality and simplicity. He fixed broken televisions, rebuilt a truck engine, constructed a huge workshop/garage, finished two basements and enhanced his home's heating system are just some of his side projects.
- His love of dancing and music in particular Polka and Zydeco. He would frequently attend dances and music performances with his long-term companion, Jean Tinnermeier.
- An amazing knowledge of geography. He could tell you about the smallest tributaries feeding into major rivers and about landmarks just around the bend in "the road" and beyond the mountain.
- Treasured spending time with his grandchildren. He'd help them with their math homework, tell them stories of the olden days, cheer them on at their music and sporting events and take them on mini trips close to home. His grandchildren remember a distinct cheek kiss he would give them. One described it as an "Italian cheek kiss full of gusto." Another described it affectionately as "slobbery." None the less that kiss was very Papa and full of love.
- He enjoyed time with friends and discussing current events.
He will be laid to rest next to his wife at Arvada Cemetery in Arvada, Colorado.
Elden is preceded in death by his wife Marilyn Merrins Johnson; parents Elden Laurice Sr. and Nellie (Santarelli) Johnson; his sisters Anna Nelle Johnson and Martha Jean Johnson. Survivors include his daughter, Lesley Snyder and her husband Craig and their four daughters Rachel, Hannah, Cara (husband Joe), and Maggie. His daughter, Carrie Lien and her husband Todd and their daughter Merrin and son Justin. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Bob) Sr. and his wife Annette Johnson, and their daughter Jill (partner Roberto, and their son Anthony), and their son Robert (Bob) Jr.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held
Saturday, June 21, 2025 11am – 1:30pm MDT
Kendrick Cottage at Crestview Park
5414 Kendrick Court, Golden, CO
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=tcs&formId=04556615-3d17-48a9-bf66-33b6d80a3687&envid=p-Y0DZd7U2g0eS4VP7SSQKNg&zone=usa
Following the Gift Amount, select in the "I Want to Support" dropdown, "Hospice/Palliative Care Fund"