Howard Johnson

Howard Leroy Johnson, 87, originally of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening February 14, 2018 surrounded by his family at Woodland Lodge in Fergus Falls, MN.

Howard was born September 12, 1930 in Crookston, MN to Emil and Elsie Johnson. Howard was one of five children and attended Fisher High School, graduating in May of 1948. Following graduation Howard enlisted in the United States Air Force, proudly serving our country overseas in England from 1951 to 1954. While serving in England, Howard was united in marriage to the love of his life, his wife, Verna (Jones), on August 21, 1953 in Warrington, England, UK.  After the completion of his service, Howard and Verna moved back to the United States, to Crookston, MN in 1954, where they made their home and raised their five beautiful children, Brian, Roger, Sandy, Carla and Jeannette. Howard held several jobs in the area, some of which included Sanitary Dairy, Eickhof Construction, and the City of Crookston, where he spent his time as a heavy equipment operator. He retired from there 1995.  In May of 2017, Howard moved to Woodland Lodge in Fergus Falls, MN.

Howard was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN and spent much of his time volunteering at RiverView Health, where he was awarded the Alta Hermodson Heart & Soul Volunteer Award in 2014. Howard enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Howard is survived in passing by his children, Brian (Lyn) Johnson of Fergus Falls, MN, Roger (Lori) Johnson of St. Louis Park, MN, Sandy (Mike) Zila of Hutchinson, MN, and Jeannette Hammond of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Leah (Bryan) Struss, Hannah (Nick) Brady, Derek Johnson, Alison Johnson, Christopher (Jennifer) Johnson, Sam Menard, Ian Menard, Henry Hammond, and Ava Hammond; greatgrandchildren, Noah Struss, Lydia Struss, Howard Brady, Ivy Brady, and Emma Johnson; and siblings, MaE Huber, Marlan Johnson, and Stan (Betty) Johnson. Howard was preceded in passing by his wife Verna; daughter, Carla; parents, Emil and Elsie; and sister Mildred Edmunds.

In lieu of flowers, the family would please ask that you send donations to RiverView Auxiliary or a charity of your choice on Howard’s behalf.

A funeral service to honor Howard’s life will be held Monday, February 19, 2018 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN at 10:00am. Visitation with the family will be held  Sunday, February 18, 2018 at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN from 5:00-7:00pm with a prayer service to follow at 7:00p.m. Burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston, MN following services. Pastor Steve Bohler will be presiding.

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