Walter Johnson

Walter Johnson was born July 28, 1917 to Bertin John and Ida Bertina Thompson Johnson in Northwood, Ia. He was baptized and confirmed a Lutheran and was currently a member of First Presbyterian. He grew up on a farm north of Freeborn and attended District 98 and graduated from Freeborn High School. On February 14, 1939, Walter was united in marriage to Elaine Celeste Kopperud at the Johnson Family Farm. Walter worked at various occupations: farmer, auto mechanic, dragline operator, and retired from Wilson's as a millwright. He enjoyed volunteering for Laborers for Christ, Lutheran Lay Renewal, Builders for Christ and participating and supporting Missionary Fellowship in Austin. Walter's favorite pastimes were motor home traveling, tree trimming, hunting, fishing, gardening, bird feeding and watching, and dog ownership. Survivors include his wife, Elaine; son, WayneSarah Johnson; daughters, JudyTed Hellie and JillJerry Morstad; son-in-law, Glen Kathy Gauss; grandchildren, EricDeb Johnson, SiriMark Kalthoff, JanaWayde Paulson, HeatherJeff Thuringer, TimJackie Morstad, Jeni and Erin Gauss; great grandchildren, Alexa and Sydney Paulson, Sean and Tae Kalthoff, Riley and Cole Thuringer, Grant Morstad, and Noah Johnson; sister, Beulah Jacobs; brothers-in-law, Neuman Riskedahl and GaryMarvyl Kopperud, and sister-in-law, June Johnson and LouiseDonald Johnson, and a large extended family. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; daughter, Cheryl Gauss; grandson, John Hellie; brothers, Orville and Delmer; sisters, Carmen Yocum, Lauryne White, and Dorothy Riskedahl. Blessed be his memory.