Born: 11 Nov 1882, Lowry, Pope Co, MN
Married: 29 Dec 1927, Holmes City twp, Douglas Co, MN
Died: 10 Oct 1935, Pope Co, MN
Buried: Trysil-Bethesda cemetery, Holmes City twp, MN
Spouse: Marie Sogaarden
Parents: Peter Johnson
Marit
Newspaper Obituary: Park Region Echo, Oct 17, 1935, page 3, col 5
JOHNNIE JOHNSON
Johnnie Johnson was born Nov 11, 1882 at Lowry, Minn. His parents
were Peter Johnson and Marit Johnson. Mr Johnson’s parents were
pioneers, coming here from Sweden and homesteaded in Douglas county.
Johnnie, one of the youngest of the children, grew to manhood on his
parents’ farm. He devoted his time to farming and after his parents
died, about 8 years ago, took over the home farm where he lived until
his death.
On December 29, 1927 he was united in marriage to Marie Sogaarden, the
youngest daughter of one of our pioneer families. Mr and Mrs Johnson
worked faithfully together and prospered in their vocation, and were
looking forward to a happy future. But God willed it otherwise.
About six weeks ago Mr Johnson began to complain of not feeling
entirely well and in a few days he had to go to bed. After summoning
different physicians, it was discovered he had the rare, but treacherous
disease of Endocorditis, inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.
A specialist was called in and everything possible was done to combat
the disease, but other complications set in so that finally he sank into
a coma and passed away on the evening of Thursday, October 10.
Johnnie Johnson was a very influential man and much thought of in the
community in which he resided and his death is a distinct loss, not only
to his dear and near relatives and his amiable wife, but to the whole
community. He was a faithful member of the Bethesda Lutheran church of
Alexandria, of which he was a liberal supporter. He was particularly
interested in Foreign Missions, one of his sisters being a missionary in
Madagascar for 28 years. He was an earnest soul seeking salvation in
Jesus Christ and his peaceful death was a beautiful testimony of a soul
at rest in Jesus.
Mr Johnson leaves to mourn his departure, his wife, Marie Johnson, one
brother, Peter of Duluth, and five sisters, Mrs J Dyrnes, Madagascar,
Mrs Johan Matson, Paulsbo, Wash; Mrs John Peterson, Mountain Grove, MO;
Mrs Walter Johnson, Lowry; Mrs Albert Nygard, Zahl, N Dak; a number of
nephews and nieces, other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were conducted last Monday from the home at 1:00
o’clock where the Rev H O Helseth spoke and the Tollefson twin sisters
sang two songs.
The main services were conducted at the Bethesda Lutheran church in
Alexandria. Rev R H Larson, pastor of the church, lead the services.
Other pastors participating were the O C Dahlagar of Starbuck, E S
Solheim of Eagle Bend and A A Reece of Hemet, Calif. The latter two and
Rev H O Helseth of Fergus Falls are brothers-in-law of the deceased.
The Rev J Vaage of Farwell sang a solo. The Tollefson sisters sang
one song and the girls’ chorus of the Bethesda church sang Mr Johnson’s
favorite hymn, “Abide With Me.”
Interment took place at Bethesda cemetery. Pallbearers were six of
his brothers-in-law, namely: Walter Carlson, Ole Finstad, Martin
Sogarden, Henry Femrite, John Peterson and Albert Nygaard. The floral
offerings were many and beautiful.
Memorial gifts amounting to $194.75 were given to missions.