Laurel Joyce Johnson

Laurel Johnson was born on August 19, 1921 to John and Marion Johnson in rural Brandon, MN. He was baptized and confirmed at nearby St. Petri Lutheran Church. He graduated from country school district #32 in 1935, then completed one year at Brandon High School. In 1936 Laurel attended WCSA School in Morris, graduating 2 years later in 1938. In 1945 he was inducted in to the US Navy and served on the Battleship Wisconsin in the Pacific arena. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. Laurel was united in marriage with Evelyn Thorstad of Hoffman in 1952. Two sons were born to the couple, Cevin in 1955 and Charles in 1957. Laurel was widowed in 1967 when Evelyn passed away from cancer. In 1969 Laurel was married to Helen Tufte and moved to South Minneapolis where they resided until Helen retired in 1979. After Helen’s retirement, they purchased a home in Brandon and Laurel transferred to the MN DOT maintenance facility in Evansville, MN. He retired from MN DOT in 1983 after 20 years of service. After retirement, Laurel worked as a custodian for Chippewa Church in Brandon. He also worked part time at the Brandon Lumber yard and as a volunteer delivering “meals on wheels” to local people who needed help. After Helen passed away in 2007, Laurel moved to Goodhue, MN for a short time. In 2010, he moved back to the Evansville Care Campus where he resided until his death. He was a member of St. Petri Church in rural Brandon. Laurel is survived by 2 sons, Cevin (Cindy) from Spokane, WA and Charles (Janet) from Goodhue, MN and 1 stepson, Gary (Sherry) Laughton from Vancouver, WA. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Josh, Aaron, Chelle, Matthew, Amber, Adam, Lyndsay, Jason and Ryan along with 20 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 2 brothers and 1 sister. Omar Johnson from Marshall, MN, Douglas (Elaine) Johnson from Sauk Centre, MN and Audrey Hermanson from Thief River Falls, MN along with many other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by 2 wives, Evelyn and Helen, 2 brothers, Mayo and Vernon and one sister, Donna Johnson. Visitation will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, December 17th. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11am at St. Petri Lutheran church in rural Brandon, MN. Burial will be held at Lands Cemetery in Hoffman, MN. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net

Laurel Joyce Johnson

August 19, 1921 - December 12, 2015