Johnson, William Andrew was born at Asbury Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, on November 29, 1945. He died on June 22, 2022. His parents were William Theodore Johnson and Catherine Frances (Stremel) Johnson. His early years were spent in St. Louis Park and later what was then Minnetonka Mills, MN. He graduated from Hopkins High School with honors in 1963, went on to Michigan State University where he graduated with high honors, then on to Harvard Law School, cum laude 1972. Bill served in the US Army in Vietnam from December 23, 1968 to July 27, 1970 as a truck mechanic. As bad as it was, he also said it changed him for the better. He confronted parts of himself there which helped him become a much more caring and concerned person. Following the army Bill graduated from law school, Harvard class of 1972. Back in Minnesota he clerked for Oscar Knutson on the Minnesota Supreme Court, then joined his brother-in-law, Peter Schmitz, in his law practice in Northfield from 1973-77. By January 1977 Bill was appointed a Judge of Rice County Court and in 1984 became District Judge, serving as chief judge of the third judicial district for two terms prior to his retirement in 2010. As chief judge he helped guide the judiciary through some very lean years. He also served on several Minnesota Supreme Court Advisory Committees and on the Minnesota Judicial College Faculty. Survivors include his wife of 46 years Jennifer Cox Johnson, daughter Mattie Eagle (Robby) and grandchildren Jace and Astrid; daughter Lauren Giroux (Brandon) and grandchildren Miles, Dominic, and Norah; son Tad Johnson (Lindsey) and grandchild Colette; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Emily Schmitz, and their parents. Instead of flowers he preferred memorials to serve others including Northfield Community Action Center, Healthy Communities Initiative, HealthFinders Collaborative, Rice County United Way, Harvard Law School Fund, Mayo Clinic, or donor's choice. At his request Bill's body was donated to Mayo Clinic for teaching. A celebration of his life is planned for July 10, 2022, at First UCC, Northfield, with visitation 1:00 pm, service 2:00 pm. biermanfuneralhome.com