Erwin Johnson

Erwin Johnson, age 94, of Perham , MN , died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 , at the Perham Memorial Nursing Home.


Erwin Edward Johnson was born on October 9, 1915 , in Perham , MN , the son of Henry and Emma (Matz) Johnson. He married Mayme Strand on July 18, 1944 , in Fargo , ND . Erwin served in the United States Army Air Force and was honorably discharged in November of 1945. He worked at the Veterans Administration in St. Paul , MN , returning to Perham in October of 1948 to take over the family farm when his father and brother were killed in a farm accident. In addition to farming, he served at the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Office in Perham, and then transferred to the Detroit Lakes ASC office serving as the Executive Director until October of 1980 when he retired.



Erwin was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church , Corliss Township , serving in many capacities. In his retirement Erwin enjoyed traveling, photography, music, the love of the land and spending time with his family. He entered Perham Memorial Nursing Home in May 2008, where he participated in many activities.



Erwin is survived by his loving wife Mayme; his four children, James (Bonnie) Johnson of Perham, MN; Dorothy (Bruce) Thomas of Lillydale, MN; Kathryn Johnson and partner Daryl Kowitz both of Perham, MN; and Karen (Nathan) Engevik of Roseau, MN; sister, Leanda (Arland) Brase of Detroit Lakes, MN; 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many other special relatives and friends.



Preceding Erwin in death are his parents; brothers, Earl Johnson and Marlyn Johnson; sisters, Henrietta Grabanski and Erna Kisacky; and grandson, Dana Lehmkuhl.