Theodore Charles Johnson, age 88, of Thief River Falls passed away on January 13 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 19 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls.
Theodore Charles Johnson was born June 29, 1930 in Lancaster. The son of Ole and Jenny (Williamson) Johnson, he attended a country school in rural Lancaster. He spent eight years in the Air Force stationed in Panama, Okinawa and statewide. He returned home and worked as a bulk milk truck driver. He met the love of his life, Alma Joyce Jelle, through his niece Millie Thorstad.
Ted and Alma were united in marriage on November 5, 1960 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Ted and Alma settled in Thief River Falls and began their family while he persued a career in plumbing and heating. After 4 1/2 years of apprenticeship he received his license. Ted knew city life was not for him and moved his wife and four kids to a farm north of town. While working for several contractors throughout the area he also farmed. After retirement in 1986 from plumbing, he raised beef cattle until 2003.
Ted enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, discussing politics and spending time with his family.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Alma; sons, Blair (Mary) Johnson of Andover, Noel (Kim) Johnson of Powder Springs, GA., Wade (Koni) Johnson of Thief River Falls; daughter, Julie (Paul) Severson of Pine City; grandchildren, Nicholas, Matthew, Sarah, Ryan, Caitlin, Matthew, Rosie, Destiny, Madison, Karli, Kendra, Rosalie, Ryan, Nathan, Ethan, Wyatt; great grandchildren, Bryson, Norah, Emily.
Ted is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Raymond, Ernest, Ole, Marvin, Vance and infant brother; sisters Mrytle Van De Streek, Edna Johnson, Anne Yonke.