Services for Warren Melvin Johnson, 84, of Worthington, will be at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2008 at the First Presbyterian Church in Round Lake, Minnesota, with Rev. Robert Bartlett officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date in the Round Lake Cemetery.
Warren died on Friday, July 11, 2008 at the Crossroads Care Center in Worthington after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Warren Melvin Johnson was born on January 16, 1924 to August and Laura (Greve) Johnson. Due to a blizzard, Warren was born in the farm home of a neighbor.
He grew up attending Ewington rural schools and graduated from Okabena High School.
After high school, Warren worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Navy in January 1945. He served in World War II and was stationed in Japan.
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On September 29, 1946 he was united in marriage to Ruby Gibson at the First Presbyterian Church in Round Lake. They lived in Worthington for several years, where Warren worked at Silverberg's Clothing.
After his father August passed away in 1953, Warren began farming on the family farm and continued until 1988, when they retired and moved to Worthington.
Warren was involved in various organizations. He served as Chairman of the Board at Ewington School and was Commander of the Round Lake American Legion. He was a Mason and also a member of the Zuhrah Shriners. Warren served as the President of the Worthington Country Club and was also an active member of the Worthington Elks.
Warren was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed watching the Minnesota Twins, the Vikings, but his favorite was Minnesota Gopher football and basketball. He rarely missed the Sid Hartman Sports Huddle on WCCO.
Warren thoroughly enjoyed watching his 3 sons participate in high school sports, ALWAYS giving the referees his opinion.
In their retirement years, Warren and Ruby enjoyed golfing, playing cards, attending grandchildren's events and traveling.
In 2001, Ruby was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and Warren faithfully cared for her until she was admitted to Crossroads Care Center in 2004.
Warren is survived by his wife, Ruby of Worthington; son, Randy (Deb) Johnson of Marshall, MN and their children, Traci (Bryan) Sanders and Chad (fiancée Leslie Meyers) Johnson; son, Bryce (Karrie) Johnson of St. Michael, MN and their children, Nathan and Adam Johnson; son, Drew (Sue) Johnson of Hendersonville, NC and their three sons, Devon, Cody and Elijah, and five great grandchildren.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Evelyn and Virginia, and granddaughter, Katie.
Blessed Be His Memory.
Family prefers memorials to the Alzheimer's Association.
Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.
