Norman Johnson

Norman Ernest Johnson was born on February 18, 1922 in Balaton, MN to Ernest and Lena Johnson. He attended country school in Murray County near Balaton thru the eighth grade. After his schooling he worked on the family farm. On June 25, 1945, Norman married Dorothy Youngner at Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson. The couple moved to Balaton to live on the family farm where he continued to work. The couple lived on the family farm for 5 years. In 1950, they moved to a farm they bought, northwest of Nelson. They were blessed with four sons, Richard, Russell, Dennis and Donald. The family farmed in Nelson for 40 years before retiring and moving into Alexandria in 1990. Norman was a very active member at Fahlun Lutheran Church, was on the Alexandria Township Board for over 20 years. Upon retirement Norman and Dorothy volunteered at Bethany Home for 14 years and for their hard work and dedication, were awarded the Service to Mankind Award by the Sertoma Club in 1998. Norman enjoyed working on the farm and being a handyman building and working to improve and make updates on anything that needed attention. Norman and Dorothy also enjoyed traveling with their pop-up camper extensively across the U.S. and Canada. He really enjoyed his time with his family and the grandkids, giving them tractor rides or teaching them how to drive for the first time on the backcountry roads. Norman will be remembered as a very caring and gentle man. Norman died peacefully with his family present at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 86. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy of 62 years; sons, Richard (Rosie) Johnson of Minnetonka, Russell (Winnie) Johnson of Elk River, Dennis (Sharon) Johnson of Guilford, CT, and Donald (Wendy) Johnson of Savage; eight grandchildren, Ericka (Anders Ynnerman) Johnson, Jenny Johnson, Karl (Marianne) Johnson, Lisa (Joe) Jones, Rebecca Johnson, Beth Johnson, Chris Johnson and Laura Johnson; three great-grandchildren, Luke Johnson, Noah Johnson and Eli Johnson. Norman is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Lena Johnson; brother, Urban Johnson; and sisters, Lia McCaril and Florence Johnson. A celebration of life service was held on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at the Fahlun Lutheran Church in Nelson with Reverend Joan Wittrock officiating with music provided by organist, Barb Sather. Interment was held in the Fahlun Lutheran Church Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers were Ericka Johnson, Jenny Johnson, Karl Johnson, Lisa Jones, Rebecca Johnson, Beth Johnson, Chris Johnson and Laura Johnson. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.