Delbert Johnson

Delbert Hjalmer Johnson was born on June 28, 1918 to Hjalmer B. and Selma (Johnson) Johnson in Princeton, MN. He was raised and schooled in Wyanette and Graceton, MN. As a young man Delbert worked for neighboring farmers as well as doing other various jobs. Delbert was united in marriage to Hazel Sjoblom on September 28, 1936 in Duluth, MN. The couple made their home in Baudette, MN where they began raising five children. In the early part of 1944 Delbert joined the U.S. Navy and served in the 6th Fleet on the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. Yorktown (CV-10) in the South Pacific. He was also part of the post-war occupational forces in Japan. Delbert was honorably discharged from the Navy in the late part of 1945. The family moved to Alexandria in 1948, where Delbert opened the Alexandria Radiator Repair Shop. At the age of 45, Delbert found his passion and started a new career as an auctioneer, which he never retired from Delbert also enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and woodworking. Delbert died on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Knute Nelson at the age of ninety. He is survived by his sons, Larry (JoAnne) of Coon Rapids, MN, LeRoy (Marilyn) of Kirkland, WA and Kenny (Barb) of Ham Lake, MN; daughters, Peggy (John) Knutti of Elkins, WV and Vonnie (David) Godding of Alexandria, MN; nine grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren; sisters, Grace (Lloyd) Hughes of Grand Rapids, MN, Bonnie Payne of Coon Rapids, MN and Elizabeth Starkey of Coon Rapids, MN; sisters-in-law, Nina Johnson of Graceton, MN and Grace Earnst of International Falls; brother-in-law, Vern Songstad of Coon Rapids, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Delbert is preceded in death by his parents, Hjalmer and Selma; wife, Hazel; brothers, Clifford and Russell Johnson; and sisters, Martha Crabtree and Della Songstad. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at Living Waters Assembly of God Church in Alexandria with Reverend James Resa officiating. Music was provided by Mary Anderson, Sharon Barber, Marvel Krauter and Elaine Story. Interment was held in the Evergreen Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Steven Johnson, Curt Johnson, Michael Johnson, Miki Miho, Dennis Johnson, and Terry Smith. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.