Michael N. Johnson

Michael N. Johnson (DBA “Wild West”) passed away on May 20th, 2026, in Arizona with loving hands of family comforting him.

Born in Slayton Minnesota in 1951 to Norton G. and Virginia F. (Like) Johnson, the newly established family soon moved to Faribault Minnesota where Michael eventually became the eldest of 6 Johnson kids.

Growing up in both private and public schools, Mike was fully engaged in sports and excelled academically as well. Proud of his north-side roots he aspired to do big things in athletics and spent time on every field in the area practicing and competing in baseball, then softball in his later years with many of those dear north-side friends.

His hard work during school years in 3 sports and great academic performance earned him the honor of receiving the Bruce Smith Award at Faribault High School. His athletic prowess caught the attention of professional baseball scout Bob Burke, which resulted in an offer to join the Cincinnati Red’s baseball club in 1969. Mike signed his contract at his High School graduation party and swiftly embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime that every baseball kid dreams of. After several years in the minor leagues, he made it to “The Show” with the San Diego Padres where he was a unique “submarine” relief pitcher in their 1974 season.

After retiring from professional baseball, Mike worked in both construction and service trades, eventually making his way to Arizona with wife Janna where they built successful businesses servicing pest control needs and housekeeping for both home and commercial businesses. Wild West Exterminating became synonymous with Mike and his gregarious personality so much that he eventually changed his name to Wild West. He worked taking care of his beloved customers for years, servicing some even during the week before his passing. Janna and Wild West had many close friends and donated to many charities in their unique neighborhood in Carefree, Arizona.

One of his proudest moments was being inducted into the Faribault Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

Wild West is survived by his wife of 36 years Janna Lee (Reint- Akemann) Johnson, sons Charlie (Brenda) May, and Wes Johnson. He is also survived by Janna’s children Jamie (Katie) Akemann, Jesse (Stacy) Akemann, and Jacy (Akemann) and Andy Morgan. Siblings Pat (Johnson) Ernste, Bob (Rose) Johnson, Paul “PJ” Johnson, Nort (Shelly Bakeberg) Johnson, and Barbara (Johnson) and Bill Parks.

He was preceded in death by his parents Norton and Virginia Johnson, Brother in laws Steven Ernste and John Reint, and sister in law Shania L. Rasmusson, formerly known as Stacy Reint.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.