Vernon J. Johnson (February 17, 1925 ~ June 10, 2012) Vernon J. Johnson was born February 17, 1925, in Normania Township of Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, to parents Alfred and Della (Froland) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Lucas Lutheran Church where he was a life long member. He attended country school and Clarkfield Public School. Following school he moved to Windom, Minnesota, to work for his uncle, Bill Morres, and learned to become a welder. While in Windom he met Gloria S. Siemers. They were married on January 28, 1945. In March of that year they moved back to the Johnson family farm to help Vern's dad farm during the war until 1959. Six children were born to this marriage. In 1960 he became a truck owner operator for the next few years. He then worked in road construction and went back to welding on the missile sites in South Dakota and North Dakota. He also worked as a welder at the taconite building sites in Chisholm and Hibbing, Minnesota. Vernon returned to trucking for Cecil Westre, hauling grain for 13 years. Following the death of Cecil, Vernon worked for Viessman trucking for seven years until he retired. No matter where he was or how far away he always came home to his family on the weekends. One of his greatest joys was visiting with people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone often leaving his family waiting in the car. He enjoyed going to the lake where they had a 5th-wheel camper for about 11 years. He couldn't wait to go on Friday and he couldn't wait to go home on Sunday where his dog Lady waited faithfully. For six and one-half years, Vernon resided at the Clarkfield Care Center where he passed away on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at the age of 87 years, 3 months and 21 days. He is survived by his wife, six children: Phyllis Hall (Dan Bazis) of Irvine, Texas, Paulette O'Connell of Clarkfield, LaVern of Denison, Iowa, Marlynn (Fern) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Loren (Gina Heng) of Huntington Beach, California, and Richard of Mankato, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren and brother Llewellyn. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Delmar, sister-in-law Doris Johnson, three grandchildren: Mark Olson, Tina Dooley (and husband Walter Dooley), Todd Wold and son-in-law Gary Hall. Blessed be his memory. In Loving Memory of Vernon J. Johnson Visitation Friday, June 15, 2012 ~ 5:00-7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Saturday, June 16, 2012 ~ 10:30 a.m. St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Steve Weston Organist, Connie Pehrson Congregational Hymns "How Great Thou Art!" "Softly and Tenderly" "Shall We Gather at the River" Special Music, Brandon Johnson "The King is Coming" Casket Bearers (Grandchildren) James Anderson ~ Timothy Hall Kimberly Brau ~ Thomas Anderson Kelly Johnson ~ Tracy Lundy Trevor Johnson ~ Travis Johnson Brandon Johnson ~ Amber Bakken ~ Cory Johnson Final Resting Place St. Lucas Lutheran Cemetery, Normania Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota