Crookston, Minnesota Native and Former Football and Wrestling Standout Charles Martin Johnson, 51, Succumbs After a Courageous Battle With Synovial Sarcoma

January 16, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 16, 2026

The Hibbing and Crookston, Minnesota communities are mourning the untimely death of beloved native and former athlete, Charles Martin Johnson, aka Charlie.

Charles ‘Charlie’ Johnson passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at his home in Hibbing, Minnesota, after a courageous four-year battle with Synovial Sarcoma, a rare, aggressive soft tissue cancer, often near joints in limbs. He was 51 years old.

Born on September 4, 1974, to parents Mary Lynn (Berglund) and Darrell Johnson in Crookston, Minnesota, Charlie was a cherished member of the Minnesota sports community and touched the lives of many with his amazing high school athletic journey.

He excelled in both football and wrestling in high school and aimed to become a professional athlete before an injury halted his athletic career.

Despite not being able to continue his career in sports, Charlie Johnson’s love and passion for sports were immense.

He was a Minnesota sports fan, especially for the Vikings and Twins teams. Additionally, he was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and travelling to different places.

Charlie spent 13 years of his life in New Braunfels, Texas, before moving to Hibbing, where he happily resided from 2019 until his recent passing.

Furthermore, Charlie thrived in his career in sales and most recently served at JCH Construction and Champion Carter as a fabrication shop personnel.

Social Media is Filled With Heartfelt Tributes To Late Charles Martin ‘Charlie’ Johnson

The untimely death of Charlie Johnson has left a profound void in the lives of his family, friends, and loved ones.

Many of his loved ones are sharing his memories on social media and extending their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.

One wrote:

Another added:

Charles ‘Charlie’ Johnson leaves behind his parents, Mary Lynn Johnson and Darrell (Peggy) Johnson, his loving partner, Liz Kolden, his sister, Shannon (Bruce) Porter, Liz’s children, Carlyn Kolden and Drew Kolden, Liz’s parents, Thomas and Peggy Jvery, niece, Johnna Porter, his lifelong best friend, Brett Delage as well as his numerous, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Although Liz Jivery Kolden hasn’t released any statement regarding the untimely death of her beloved partner, she often shares pictures of Charlie on social media expressing her love and pride.

Charlie Johnson was preceded in death by his beloved brother, John Johnson, his maternal grandparents, Oscar and Margaret Berglund, and his paternal grandparents, Charles and Mamie Johnson.

His family has organized a memorial and funeral service on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing from 11:00 to 2:00 PM.

An additional gathering will be at Mr. Nick’s Corner Bar in Hibbing, immediately after the services at Dougherty’s.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Angel Fund or to Fairview Range Hospice in Hibbing. A private interment will take place at a later date in Crookston, Minnesota.

Charles Johnson’s contribution to the Minnesota community and his kind nature will always be remembered.

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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.

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