"John" Leonard

Leonard John Johnson Jr. 73, of Alexandria, MN passed away at his home surrounded by his family after a short courageous battle with cancer. Leonard was born November 10, 1939 in Nicollet, MN to Leonard John Johnson Sr. and Zella (Larson). While growing up he spent many summers helping his uncle on the farm. After graduation from high school in 1959, he entered the Navy and served the next 4 1/2 years. John worked on many Navy ships in the boiler room. During his Navy years he met Betty Ann Olson. Upon his discharge from the Navy they were married on September 21, 1963. John attended Mankato Tech for plumbing. For many years John worked on the road doing plumbing and pipe fitting along with welding on construction jobs in many different states. John was a union member of Local 126 and 11 for 47 years. Upon his retirement John and Betty took the trip of a lifetime to Alaska where they went salmon and halibut fishing. John loved to spend time woodworking with his brother Mervin, fishing and working on antique gas engines and gardening. John enjoyed both Easter and Halloween so that he could color Easter eggs and also carve wonderful pumpkins with the grandchildren. He was very fond of fireworks and enjoyed watching them, doing shows and helping pick out the next year's inventory for his daughter?s fireworks stand. John enjoyed helping young people learn and was a Boy Scout leader for many years. John is survived by his wife of 50 years Betty Ann. Daughters LuAnn (Brent) Moore of Barney, ND and Gwen (Greg) Berry of Long Prairie, MN, 2 grandchildren Adam and Amanda that were his pride and joy. Brothers Mervin (Lucretia) Johnson of Alexandria, MN and Larry (Patty) Johnson of Rockford, IL. Brothers-in-law Raymond (Dianne) Olson of Brandon, MN and Leonard Olson of Alexandria, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and many uncles and aunts. The Funeral will be at 11:00 Thursday October 17, 2013 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Alexandria, MN with Pastor Jerry Lanes officiating. Interment will be at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Clotho, MN. Visitation will be at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN on Wednesday, October 16, 2013 from 5 to 7 and one hour preceding the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria www.andersonfuneral.net