Ward Tenney former President of Johnson Fishing dies, aged 84

Ward Tenney, a former president of Johnson Fishing, has died. He was 84.

A former long-term resident of Mankato, Minnesota, Tenney served in the US army in Okinawa, Japan, before earning a business degree in1963 at Minnesota State University. As a student, he started his career as assistant janitor at Johnson Reels and progressed his way through the company. It was a dream job for the avid fisherman.

He rose to lead Minn Kota Motors and then served as President of Johnson Fishing, a part of Johnson Outdoors, until his retirement in 1992. He also served on the board of the US Bank-Mankato. In addition to walleye fishing, he liked to hunt, hike in the desert and play golf and cards. Country music and Louis Lamour books were also among his passions. He was also known for his dry and witty sense of humour.

Tenney lived in Sun Lakes, Arizona, and is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane, and three children, Susan, Steven and Stacy.