Harold Johnson

Harold Richard Johnson, 78 year old resident of rural Upsala, MN passed away on Monday, January 14, 2008 at his birth place home. Funeral services will be held at 1 P.M. on Friday, January 18, 2008 at Word of Life Free Lutheran Church in Upsala, MN with Pastors Jon Benson and Lyle Aadahl officiating. Burial will be in Gethsemane Lutheran Cemetery in Upsala. Visitation will be from 5P.M. - 8 P.M. on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at Word of Life Free Lutheran Church in Upsala and 1 hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Harold was born December 6, 1929 on the family farm in Elmdale Township to the late Harry and Thelma (Jorgenson) Johnson. He grew up and graduated from Upsala high school. After graduation, he went to the twin cities where he worked at International Harvester and then returned home to farm with his father. Harold was married to Marianne (Gerlach) on June 19, 1954 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Upsala. In 1960, he bought the family farm from his parents and also began working as a painter with Francis Johnson. In 1973, Harold and his son Bruce expanded the farming operation and went into partnership until 1991 when he semi-retired and Bruce bought the farm. Harold was baptized and confirmed at Gethsemane Lutheran and a member of Word of Life Free Lutheran Church of Upsala where he served on the board and was treasurer and chairman of the board. He also served as Elmdale township treasurer from 1991 to 2007. He loved his family and enjoyed having them over for meals and attending all of the grandchildren’s events. Harold was very active in the community. Harold Johnson is survived by his wife, Marianne; sons, Bruce and wife, Heather of rural Upsala, Brian and wife, Erin of Minnetonka, MN; daughter Jan Schultz and husband, Michael of rural Upsala; and grandchildren, Joseph and Mallory Johnson, Isaac and Ethan Schultz, Haydn and Harrison Johnson, and Sadie Schneider. Harold was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marilyn, Lorraine, and Dorothy; two infant sons, and granddaughter Kirstin. Memorials preferred to Helping Hands Fund of Upsala or Word of Life Free Lutheran Church of Upsala.

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Harold Johnson

December 6, 1929 - January 14, 2008