Raymond Johnson

Ray Johnson Raymond Harry Johnson was born on the family farm in Brandon Township, Minnesota on October 28, 1930, the son of Harry and Julia (Gunderson) Johnson. He attended Country School District #8 and graduated from Alexandria High School in the Class of 1948. On December 30, 1950, Ray was united in marriage to Jean Olson at the Grace Lutheran Church of Brandon. The couple lived in Alexandria for a time and Ray was employed by Clarence Anderson Construction and the Wearever Utensil Company. In 1955 they moved to a farm in Brandon Township and in 1963 they took over the operation and settled back on the family farm where Ray had been born. Ray was a life-long member of East Moe Lutheran Church and had served the church on the Church Board for over 35 years. He also enjoyed bowling and had bowled for over forty years and pitched horseshoes for over 20 years. When Ray was younger he played on the Garfield and Brandon town baseball teams as the catcher. He also enjoyed being a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. In typical Norwegian fashion, he was very stoic, but did enjoy a great sense of humor. More than anything, however, he enjoyed his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also loved music, sang as a soloist at weddings and funerals often and enjoyed playing his trumpet. Ray died on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at his home at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his wife Jean Johnson of Garfield, children Lola (Loren) Backlund of Brooklyn Park, Susan (Frank) Foslien of Garfield, Gail (Chuck) Backes of Hernando, Fl, and Mark Johnson of Garfield. Also surviving are grandchildren Amy Jo (Chris) Sexton, Jill (Aaron) Anderson, Stacy (Steve) Hemming, Sara (Brendan) Reilly and Darren Foslien; great-grandchildren Dylan Sexton, Lauren Sexton, Brady Anderson, Ellie Anderson, Riley Anderson, Allison Hemming, Carter Hemming, Tyler Hemming, Marissa Reilly, Ben Reilly, and Jenna Reilly, and in-laws Joe and Betty Schiele and Robert and Marlys Olson. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Kenneth Johnson, sister LaVonne Anderson, sister-in-law Gudrun Johnson and brother-in-law Paul Anderson. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at East Moe Lutheran Church in Moe Township with Rev. Don Clifford officiating. Music was provided by Diane Alveshere, organist, Jill Anderson, and Stacy Hemming, vocalists. Interment was in the church cemetery with Paul Lauthen, Jim Thompson, Robert Olson, Darren Foslien, Keith Johnson, and Lydon Sletto serving as pallbearers. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home www.andersonfuneral .net