Alvin Johnson

Alvin F. Johnson, 93, formerly of Evansville, died Thursday, July 28, 2011 at Minnesota Veterans Home of Fergus Falls.

Alvin Floyd Johnson was born March 27, 1918 in Erdahl Township, Grant County Minnesota, the youngest of 13 children, to Jacob and Gunhild (Synstegard) Johnson. He was raised on the farm as was a great asset to his aging parents as he was running the team of horses at the age of nine. His father passed away when Alvin was 17 and life took a dramatic change. His mother sold the farm and Alvin joined the CCC's, which was created for the young men at this difficult time for the country. The bombs hit Hawaii and again, Alvin was called to help his country. He served in the US Army from January 12, 1942 until September of 1945 after WWII ended. Alvin was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and received Good Conduct medals.

On May 12, 1946 Alvin married Marian Rohloff. To this union four daughters were born. Alvin went back to school to learn the electrical trade to support his growing family. It was a tough life, but full of adventure as they moved to many locations to find work. Throughout the years they lived in Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Colorado, Alaska and then settled back in Evansville.

Alvin was active in the community. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, DAV, IBEW and the Sons of Norway. Alvin also volunteered his time to RSVP and the BLM program where he worked in the Wyoming wilderness and also various places in Missouri. He loved to travel and took his family to see many places. Alvin was also a self taught musician. He played the guitar and violin and would sing to his girls to their delight. Alvin and Marian enjoyed dancing and belonged to the square dance club. He spent many hours with his beloved dogs starting with Topsy to Besty. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and was confirmed in Our Savior's Lutheran Church in 1932. He received his high school diploma from Evansville High School.

Alvin is survived by his wife Marian; daughters, Nancy (Darrel) Lindberg of Evansville, Sherrill Johnson of Anoka, Gail (Rod) Sommerfield of Mazeppa and Anita (Ron) Wencl of Ham Lake; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Nettie, Guida, Stella, twins Ella and Mable, Alice, Hilda, Netta and Gladyce; brothers, Edwin, John, and Orville and granddaughter, Michelle Hanson.


Funeral Services: 2 PM Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at Faith Lutheran Church in Evansville

Visitation: 5-7 PM at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Evansville and one hour prior to the service at the church

Clergy: Reverend Stephen Olson

Military Rites: West Douglas County American Legion Post 188, Evansville

Cemetery: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville