Walter Johnson
Walter Nordeen Johnson was born September 12, 1926, on the family farm in Greenvale Township, Dakota County, Minnesota, to Carl and Marie (Hansen) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church, attended Kanary School in Greenvale Township, and graduated from Northfield High School in 1943. After his education he worked on the Carleton Farm until being drafted into the US Army in January 1945. Following his honorable discharge in February 1947, he returned to Northfield and the Carleton Farm. During that time he also took up flying with the thoughts of becoming a crop sprayer. He married Maxine Turnacliff on September 1, 1950, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. In 1952, he went to work for Minnesota Valley Breeders, until 1961. That same year, he began working for the US Postal Service, on various city and rural routes in the Northfield and surrounding areas. Maxine passed away on May 6, 1983. Walt retired from the Post Office in 1991.
Walt was a member and former trustee of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He was an auxiliary policeman of 8 years, a former member of both the Northfield and Cannon Valley Lions Clubs, a former member of the Rice County Rural Carriers Association, a member of the Northfield Park Board, an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop #313, and a member for over 50 years of the Northfield American Legion Post #84.
Survivors include his children: Pamela Joy and husband David Loken of Maple Grove, Douglas Walter of Dundas, Angie and husband Ken Groth of Isle, Brian Nordeen and wife Jan of Chanhassen; 7 grandchildren: Maren (Brian) Hooper, Tony and Heidi Groth, Andy, Alex, Charlie and Luke Johnson; one great-granddaughter, Norah Hooper; 2 sisters: Jean Mason of Carrolton, Texas, Joyce Madsen of Lonsdale; his longtime companion, Mary Ann Truax of Northfield; nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine; 2 brothers: Clifford and Maurice; 3 sisters: Leone Rollins, Myrtle Chester, Millie Harkness; and his parents, Carl and Marie.
Walt passed away with his family by his side on Sunday morning, September 20, 2009 at Reflections~Care Suites on Three Links Care Center Campus in Northfield, at the age of 83.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Wednesday, September 23,2009, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield with Revs. Mark Johnson and John Quam officiating. Music will be provided by Daniel Fenn & Dan Smisek. Interment with Military Honors will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, Northfield. Casket bearers will be Art Schutte, Frank Knudsen, Carl Wicklund, Tony Groth, Andy Johnson, Alex Johnson. Visitation will be 4-7PM Tuesday, September 22, 2009, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the funeral.
Memorials are preferred to The Walter Nordeen Johnson Memorial Fund.
Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.
