Edwin Johnson

Edwin Johnson, 87, of Pelican Rapids, died on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at the VA Medical Center in Fargo.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM at Larson Funeral Home in Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Thursday. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard, MN with Rev. Brad Soenksen officiating. Burial will be 1:30 PM, at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, MN. 

Edwin Johnson was born on March 2, 1931 to Edvin and Borgil (Dillerud) Johnson in Pelican Rapids, MN. He was raised on the family farm where he began working at a young age.  He attended country school.  He met Donna Mae Larson from Maddock, ND while she was visiting family in the Pelican Rapids area and their courtship began.  He traveled to California to meet up with Donna and they took in the Rose Bowl Parade in the early 1950’s.  They were married at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids on September 6, 1952.  Shortly after their marriage, Ed joined the US Army and he spent much of his time at Ft. Riley, Kansas.  Following his service to his country, Ed and Donna returned home to Minnesota where he joined his Dad and continued a lifelong passion of working on the farm.  He lived on a farm near Erhard from 1958-1978.  During his lifetime, the Johnson Family Farm was honored as a Century Farm, and Ed and Donna received the Valley Farmer and Homemaker Award in 2002-2003 at an award ceremony in Crookston, MN.  For the past 25 years, he has lived on Prairie Lake where he became fond of fishing.  In the summer months, you could find Ed at many auction sales.  He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ed was always proud of his military service and became a lifelong supporter of the American Legion. He served in numerous offices throughout the American Legion including 9^th District Commander in 2008-2009.  In the Color Guard, he honored many veteran’s service throughout his lifetime.  At one time, he was an active member of North Immanuel Lutheran Church; serving on the council and cemetery board; and currently a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church. 

Ed is survived by his wife Donna of 66 years resides in Pelican Rapids, MN, three children: Steven (Jodie) Johnson of Boring, OR, Brenda (Gregg Gietzen) Martinson of West Fargo, ND, Brian (Judy) Johnson of Pelican Rapids, MN, son in law Dennis Pieske of Willmar, MN, 10 grandchildren: Jeremy (Lisa) Johnson, Staci (Matt) Butler, Amanda (Justin Frahm) Johnson, Tascha (Brock) Butler, Nathan (Stephanie) Pieske, Casey Johnson, Zachary (Elizabeth) Strand, Jacob (Jena Smedshammer) Johnson, Mitchell (Amy) Johnson, Christa (Mike Joyce) Johnson, 15 great grandchildren, two sisters: Elenora Tollerud of Apple Valley, MN, Betty Engelstad of Milwaukie, OR, sister in law Virgie Brandt of Moorhead, MN, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Ed was preceded in death by his daughter Vicki Pieske, siblings: Arnold Johnson, Marion (Frank) Prim, Jeanette (Irvin) Tollerud, Ervin (Eileen) Johnson, John Johnson, brothers-in-law Manley Tollerud and Irvin Tollerud and his parents.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from 5-7 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM at Larson Funeral Home in Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Thursday. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Erhard, MN with Rev. Brad Soenksen officiating. Burial will be 1:30 PM, at North Immanuel Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, MN. 

Keep the Johnson family in your thoughts and prayers.

Edwin's Memorial Folder