Eugene "Gene" Johnson

Nov 12, 1939 -

Apr 29, 2021

Eugene "Gene" H. Johnson, 81, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away at home on April 29, 2021. He was born on Nov. 12, 1939, in Wisconsin, to Floyd and Rose Johnson. He grew up on a cattle farm in Wisconsin with his two brothers, Ronnie and Allen and two sisters, Nancy and Diane. Gene was a Wisconsin state champion wrestler in high school and wrestled at the University of Wisconsin. He traveled to Hawaii and Alaska in 1959, the year they obtained statehood. He loved an adventure and was always looking for the next opportunity. He chose Alaska.

Gene found his life's work in developing recreational real estate in Alaska. He was an entrepreneur who loved a challenge and a creative deal. He started his real estate pursuits by buying a trailer park on Spenard Road in Anchorage. Gene went on to establish the real estate business of Johnson Investments in the 1970s, and created many of the recreational developments in the Mat-Su Valley and the first FHA approved subdivision in Eagle River. He had a knack for finding the most pristine properties with something special. Gene built the first Pizza Hut building on Spenard Road and brought the franchise to Alaska. He was a "can do" guy who treated failure as a learning step and was forever quoting "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."

After years of developing real estate, raising kids and recreating in Alaska, he took up golf with his wife, Diane. They traveled to golf tournaments and courses around the country and bought a second home in Arizona so that they could play year-round. Gene also rode motorcycles and participated in the motorcycle rally in Sturgis. The great joy in his life was ballroom dancing. He became a competitive dancer and won many competitions.

Gene was a large personality and had an incredible zest for life. He enjoyed traveling the world and took many international trips with his wife and kids. He loved working with his kids and teaching them the business. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and watching them compete in sports and encouraged them to play hard and never give up.

Gene is survived by his wife, Diane; son, Jeff (Melanie); daughter, Missy (Steve); daughter, Gina (Phil); grandchildren, Jake, Peyton, Walker, Scarlett, Max, Otto, Aksel, Terren and Skyler all of Anchorage. He is also survived by two sisters and a brother, along with many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held this past summer with his immediate family at one of the many recreational developments he made possible. Though we have lost the heart and soul of our family, his spirit and the impact he had on us will forever be remembered.