Kenneth Johnson, 77, Pelican Rapids, MN

Kenneth Johnson

Kenneth “Kenny” Johnson, 77, of Pelican Rapids, died on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2008, at the Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids.
Kenneth Lyle Johnson was born May 1, 1930, in Pelican Rapids, the son of Benny and Hulda (Erickson) Johnson. He grew up in rural Pelican Rapids, attended country school District 65, and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1948.
Kenny’s first job was at the Pelican Rapids Creamery. Before starting his own milk route, he hauled milk for Bill Toso for about two years.
On June 27, 1951 he married Helen Toftely at First Congregational Church in Pelican Rapids.
They lived on the home farm for six years before moving the house and family into Pelican Rapids, Kenny worked for the Farmers Elevator in Pelican Rapids where he later became manager.
About 1975, he went to work for Benson Quinn of Minneapolis, as the roadman calling on elevators in North Dakota and Minnesota, doing their auditing, continuing until his retirement.
After retiring Kenny worked for Larson Funeral Home, starting in September 1995. He also mowed grass for the City of Pelican Rapids, Pelican Rapids School District, and Ringsaker Cemetery.
Kenny enjoyed the many family trips, visiting with his family and friends, especially sitting at the round table at the Rapids Café, telling jokes and doing impersonations.
He also enjoyed fishing when he was younger with grandpa Toftely, working outside, especially mowing, and working at the funeral home. Over the years he enjoyed his Boston terriers.
Kenny was a life long member of Grove Lake Lutheran Church in rural Pelican Rapids where he served as church treasurer for 30 years and also served on the council and cemetery board. He served two terms on the Pelican Rapids school board, and also served on the board for the Good Samaritan Center.
He was a member of the Rotary for many years, serving as president at the time the suspension bridge was built. Kenny enjoyed attending the local cancer support group.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Helen Johnson of Pelican Rapids; two daughters: Sandra (Roger) Tingelstad and Susan Johnson, both of Pelican Rapids; two grandchildren, Tina Anderson of Janesville, and Gabriel Johnson of Pelican Rapids; two great-grandchildren: Brittany and Payton Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m., at the funeral home, and one hour prior to the service at the church
Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, at Zion Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids
Clergy: Revs. Ed Anderson and Ken Vollmers
Burial: Grove Lake Cemetery, rural Pelican Rapids
Funeral Home: Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids

• Condolences may be sent online at www.larsonfuneralpelicanrapids.com