Wallace R. Johnson

Wallace R. Johnson, 87, of Roseau, MN, formerly of Greenbush, MN, died on Monday, October 17, 2011 in LifeCare Medical Center at Roseau, MN.

Wallace Russil Johnson, the son of George O. & Jennie (Morberg) Johnson, was born on September 17, 1924 at rural Newfolden, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended school in Newfolden and graduated from Newfolden High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He served in Central Europe as a rifleman and an airplane & engine mechanic.

Wally married Mavis Elaine Mugaas on November 13, 1948. They lived at Gatzke, MN where he worked as a butter maker in the Gatzke Creamery. He also worked for Arrowhead Pest Control, until moving to Greenbush in 1957. Wally sold cars for 50 years, beginning at Thompson Chevrolet in Greenbush until 1968. He then worked for Wayne Nelson Chevrolet, Johnson Chevrolet and Sorensen Chevrolet and later for Wayne Nelson Motors in Roseau until his retirement.

Wally was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church. He had served on the church council and was also a former council member of the City of Greenbush. He was a member of the American Legion, the Eagles and the VFW. Wally moved to Oak Crest Senior Living Apartments in Roseau in November 2010. Wally enjoyed yard work, deer hunting, time at the hunting shack on the home farm where he grew up and spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his friends at Oak Crest.

SURVIVED BY: 2 sons—Russell Johnson & Forrest (MaryLou) Johnson.

2 daughters—Barb (Jerome) Brazier & Karyl (Keith) Langaas.

12 grandchildren—Thyann Herbert, Jarrod Johnson, Lindsey Johnson, Kim Flatland, Jason Brazier, Kristin Belin, Jed Brazier, Kiley Benz, Travis Johnson, Tara Lease, Alexa Langaas, and Trey Langaas.

17 great-grandchildren—Gaetana & Giovanni Johnson, Harrison Herbert, Sebastian & Briana Bergeron, Henry & Frank Brazier, Morgan, Samantha & Gabriella Belin, Jackson Reitmier-Brazier, Chloe & Blair Benz, Addyson & Ty Johnson, and Noah & Josiah Lease.

3 sisters-in-law-- Janice (Phil) McClellan, Adelyn Lundmark & Carol Mugaas. Special friends--Bud Johnson & LuVerne Lindahl.

He is also survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives & friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wife—Mavis on February 26, 2010. Sister—Joyce Steenerson, an infant brother--Vernon. 2 grandchildren & 1 great-granddaughter—Giovanna Johnson.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 in Bethel Lutheran Church of Greenbush with Pastor Mark Mathews, officiating. Special music was provided by Arlene Jenson and Howard & Gary Hodne. Joan Haugen was the organist. Pallbearers were Wally’s grandsons—Jason & Jed Brazier, Jarrod & Travis Johnson, Trey Langaas, Richard Belin, Jered Lease, Dustin Benz, Jon Flatland, Sebastian Bergeron & Dan Herbert. Jered Lease was the Reader. Honorary Pallbearers were all of Wally’s Friends and The Oak Crest Crew. Military Honors were conducted by Moen-Zimek Post 88, American Legion of Greenbush.

Interment was in Opdahl Cemetery at rural Newfolden with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush in charge of arrangements.