Vernon Edward Johnson, 93, died peacefully Oct. 31, 2011, at Bickford Cottage, Midland, Mich.
Vernon was born Oct. 28, 1918, to Edward and Mary (Johnson) in Virginia, Minn.
Vernon was raised in Britt Minn.
From 1936 to 1938 he worked in a civilian conservation corps camp where he lost his left arm in an accident.
He married Lucretia Wallen in 1940.
He served three years in the Navy during World War II and then worked 35 years at Boise Cascade in International Falls, Minn. He was chairman and recording secretary of the P.S. & P.M. Workers Union for many years during his employment.
Soon after his retirement in 1982, Vernon moved to Apache Junction, Ariz.
In 1988, Vernon married Alzina Weibe, who made his life delightful and merry, and helped him through the loss of his daughter, Rochelle (Thacker).
Sadly, Alzina passed in 1997, and in 2003 he moved back to Virginia, Minn., to fish and enjoy the company of his best friend and sister, Dorothy. In early 2009, after Dorothy’s passing and his 90th birthday, he moved to Midland to be near his son, Steven.
Vernon built a beautiful home on Jackfish Point on Rainy Lake. He loved to garden, play cards, and the company of family and friends, and any sports but especially Twins baseball. Vernon was able to travel extensively during his years, and loved to fish anywhere but especially in Canada and Alaska.
Vernon was predeceased by all of his siblings and their spouses; brothers, Albin (Ann), Bernhardt aka Skip (Ruth) and sisters, Helmi (Ano Seppi), Anna (Urho Seppi) and Dorothy (Norman Nelson); daughter, Rochelle Thacker; granddaughter, Linda (Lowen-Landry); and son-in-law, Roger Lowen.
Vernon is survived by children, Madeline (Lowen) of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Steven (Mary Rita) of Midland Mich.; son-in-law, Bruce Thacker of Santa Ana, Calif.; grandchildren, Thor, Justin, Laura (Brian Demeuse) and Jefree (Brianne); great-grandchildren, Jason, Joshua, Jessie, Aria and Lillian; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children.
A memorial service for family and friends will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 30, at Sand Lake Chapel, Britt, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Richard Lohry will officiate.
Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Virginia, Minn.
Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home, Virginia.
Vernon was grateful for the care and friendship of those who helped in the Johnson home and later the staff at Bickford Cottage.
Please sign online guestbook at www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
