John Johnson, Sr. 08/15/2014

John T. Johnson, Sr. age 82 of New Richmond died Friday, August 15, 2014 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  He was born the son of Thome and Ruth (Holen) Johnson on March 22, 1932 in the house on the family farm he still lived in.  John attended Cedar Lake School and took over the family farm at the age of 16 after his father’s death.  He was a life-long dairy farmer and a life-long member of West Immanuel Lutheran Church.  On August 24, 1957, he married Judith Olson in Iowa.  John enjoyed woodworking and fishing.  In retirement, he worked a few years as a custodian at Hudson High School.  He was described as a “Gentle Giant” and will be missed by his wife of 56 years, Judy; children, Larry (Dawn), Pam (Bob) Viau, Steven (Jenny), John Jr. “Jack” (Mara); grandchildren, Jeremy, Jamie and Jennifer Johnson, Barb (Tim) Lorinser, Bob Viau, Jr., Dylan, Taylor, Brenan, Alice and Ronan Johnson; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Sophie, Rhett Lorinser; brothers, James (Marge), Elton (Shirley), Bob (Sharon), Glen (Beth) and Jerry Johnson; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  John was preceded in death by his parents, Thome and Ruth; son, Donald; siblings, Alta Mae, George and Curtis Johnson, Rosella (Chick) Rose; and sister-in-law, Pat Johnson.  A memorial service was held Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11:00 am at West Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Osceola.  Visitation was also Friday from 10-11 am at church.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services Beebe Chapel of New Richmond.