Cover photo for Wilfred Johnson's Obituary
Wilfred Johnson Profile Photo
1921 Wilfred 2006

Wilfred Johnson

October 23, 1921 — August 3, 2006

Wilfred "Bill" M. Johnson of Perham, Minnesota, passed away on August 3, 2006 at MeritCare Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota, following open heart surgery. He was 84 years young. The celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 11, 2006 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Perham.



Born in Minneapolis on October 23, 1921, Bill Johnson attended South High School. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a Staff Sergeant during WWII. Bill especially enjoyed his tour of duty in England.



After his military service, he attended the University of Minnesota and earned his Bachelor of Science in biology in 1951. He then worked as an aquatic biologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for two years. Following his government service, he earned his Bachelor of Science in education from St. Cloud State University in 1955. In 1959, he earned his MA in zoology from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.



He married Dorothy Mae Toft on June 26, 1954 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota and began his teaching career at Perham High School in 1955. During his 28 years of service to the Perham School District, he taught biology, zoology, earth science, and drivers education. He also served as assistant coach in wrestling and girls basketball.



Bill had been very active in Calvary Lutheran Church where he and his wife were charter members. He was a proud part of the Stephen's Ministry Program.



He was involved in the Lions Club of Perham for many years. Bill also served as an official of the Turtle Races in Perham for several years.



Life-long enthusiasm for fishing earned him the nickname "mid-night fisherman" among his friends and family. He also enjoyed hunting. Bill passed on his love for the outdoors to his grandchildren.



He is survived by his wife Dorothy and his children and grandchildren. The eldest daughter Kristen married to Scotty Rehak of Williston, North Dakota. They have two sons: Chase and Colby. Lyndes married David Adamson of Helena, Montana. They have two daughters: Erin and Angelyn. Patrick Mendis, their AFS exchange "son" of Sri Lanka, and his wife Cheryl have son Gamini and daughter Samantha. The family live in the Washington D.C. area.



Bill and his loving wife of 52 years spent their winter months in Florida and enjoyed much of their retired life at their cabin on Paul Lake, fishing and watching many beautiful sunsets.



The family wishes to set up a scholarship in memory of Bill Johnson for his lifetime commitment to science education in Perham High School.



Schoeneberger Funeral Home, Perham, MN, is in charge of the arrangements. (218) 346-5175. Online tributes may be posted on www.schoenebergerfuneralhome.com.


To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wilfred Johnson, please visit our flower store.

Guestbook

Visits: 13

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree