Berthel Johnson

Berthel Johnson, age 97, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died on Friday, April 22, 2011, at Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids.Berthel Linford Johnson was born March 29, 1914, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, the son of Erick and Caroline(Anderson) Johnson. He was the fifth of six children: Ruth, Thyra, Effie, Elrick, and Berneice. His parents were Swedish immigrants who started the family farm in Lida Township in 1888. On July 12, 1941, Berthel was united in marriage to Gladys Scott at the Central Lutheran Parsonage in Pelican Rapids. Together they raised four children: Eric, Michael, Greg, and Brent. Berthel farmed in partnership with his brother, Elrick, for many years; the farm consisted primarily of dairy cows and turkeys. Berthel lived on the family farm his entire life. Berthel was proud of his Swedish ancestry and visited Sweden several times with Gladys. They formed close relationships with family and friends in Sweden; hosting numerous visitors over the years. Berthel loved to speak Swedish.Berthel was a life-long member of Central Lutheran Church. He served on the Lida Township Board and was active in 4-H as a youth and later as a leader. He had many talents and interests. Berthel had a good singing voice; he sang solos, belonged to the Central Quartet, and sung in the church choir for over 60 years. Berthel spent his retirement year's woodcarving birds, animals, and many unusual things. He spent a lot of time working with rocks; making "rock people" of all sizes and shapes. Some of Berthel's favorite times were when friends stopped by for coffee, riding his ATV around the farm, and sweet corn season. Recently, his favorite activity was calling friends on their birthday and singing "Happy Birthday". Berthel especially cherished spending time with his grandchildren and his grandchildren equally cherished spending time with him.Berthel is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Gladys Johnson, Pelican Rapids, MN; sons: Eric (Marlys) Johnson, Michael Johnson, and Greg (Dawn) Johnson, all of Pelican Rapids, MN; and Brent (Stephanie) Johnson, Edina, MN; grandchildren: Andrew, Adam (Sara), Greta, Alex, Dana, and Maria; great-granddaughter, Olivia; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Erick and Caroline; sister: Ruth Ruud, Thyra Johnson, Effie Johnson, and Berneice Schweer; brother, Elrick; and nephew, Brian Schweer.Blessed Be The Memory Of Berthel JohnsonFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572