Elton “Al” George Johnson, 80, Fergus Falls, MN

1925 - 2006

Elton “Al” George Johnson, 80, of Fergus Falls, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, at the Short Stay Unit of Broen Memorial Home, Fergus Falls.
He was born Dec. 24, 1925, in Orwell Township, rural Fergus Falls, to George and Clara (Nehring) Johnson. He attended School District 252 in Orwell Township before serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II on a Landing Ship Medium (LSM). Following his service in the South Pacific he returned home to farm.

On Nov. 6, 1948, he married Florence Beck at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls. Together they lived on their farm near Broken Down Dam for 57 years. Throughout the years he continued to do some farming, but also worked for the Fergus Hatchery, National Tea Packing Plant, B.K. Soby, Mark Sand and Gravel and Mid-America Dairy from 1975 until his retirement in 1991.

After retiring he spent his summers working with his son-in-law at Pebble Lake Golf Course.

Elton was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Otter Tail County Humane Society, Elks Club, the Y’s Folks, Spartan Boosters, and was a life member of the VFW. He had been active in the Town and Country Saddle Club, served as a Dane Prairie 4-H Leader and was a member of the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Posse for 35 years.

Time spent with family was his priority. He supported his grandchildren and attended their many sporting and music activities. He was an avid Otter and Spartan basketball fan. He also enjoyed tending his land, walking, reading, card playing, bird watching, drinking coffee and bowling. He is remembered for his captivating smile.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Florence; three daughters: Glenda (Les) Anderson of Red Wing, Rebecca (Richard) Odden and Paula (Bradley) Russell, all of Fergus Falls; seven grandchildren: Sarah (Bryan) Prescher, Matt Anderson, Ellen Anderson, Abby (Jason) Drouillard, Laura Odden, Sophie and Hattie Russell; four great-grandchildren: Gibson and Eliza Prescher, Layten and Colten Drouillard: two brothers, Harlin (Delores) Johnson, and Loren (Gerry) Johnson of Fergus Falls; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his dog, Dixie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church organ fund or the Broen Memorial Home.

Visitation: Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home with a public prayer service at 7 p.m., and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 1 p.m. Thursday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Paul H. Nelson
Burial: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, with military participation by the Fergus Falls VFW and the American Legion
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home