Olaf Johnson

Life History for Olaf Johnson
Olaf Johnson, age 94 of Osakis passed away on December 31, 2008 at the Community Memorial Home in Osakis, MN.
Olaf Johnson was born on July 23, 1914 in Gordon Township, Todd County, MN to John T. and Anna (Larson) Johnson. After a flu epidemic took his father's life when Olaf was just four years old, he moved with his family from their homestead in North Dakota to live near Osakis in central Minnesota. On July 14, 1940 Olaf was united in marriage to Marilynn Nelson at the Sauk Valley Lutheran Church. Olaf continued to farm their land in North Dakota, but raised his family on a farm in Gordon Township, Todd County, MN. He retired from farming in North Dakota in 1986, but continued farming another ten years before moving into a home in Osakis. Olaf also learned to do carpentry work and helped Elvin Klukken with various construction projects. Olaf was instrumental in building the new addition on the Sauk Valley Lutheran Church where he was a member. He held several church offices, including trustee and treasurer. Olaf also served on the Community Memorial Home board for ten years.
Some of his favorite things included spending time with his family, riding the tractor out on his many acres of land, doing woodwork, and watching sports on television. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandpa who will be loving remembered by his family and friends.
Olaf is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilynn Johnson; 8 children, Larry (Marlinda) Johnson, Steven (Diane) Johnson, Duane (Julie Plantenberg) Johnson, Neil Johnson, Susan (Paul) McCaughan, Bennet (Michelle) Johnson, Mia (Charles Erdman) Erickson and Polly (Dale) Colby; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his uncle, Marius who served as his father and a foster sister, Mary Brevik.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 5 at 1 pm at the Sauk Valley Lutheran Church in rural Osakis with Rev. Steve Hilde officiating. Musicians were organist, Ione Johnson, singers, Nathan Larson and the Gordon Mens Chorus. Interment was at the church cemetery. Honorary pallbearers were Martin Pederson, Andrew & Irene Larson, Alyce Hagen, Norman & Cleo Anderson, Ione Holt, Ray Mikkelson, Esther Larson and Fred Schultz. Active casketbearers were Tom Mikkelson, Dan Hagen, David, Karl, Jim and John Larson.
Arrangements were handled by the Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, MN.