Edward Johnson

Edward Tosten Johnson, 86, of Clarkfield died on January 28th in Montevideo. Edward grew up in Clarkfield where he was baptized and confirmed at Clarkfield Lutheran Church, graduating from Clarkfield High School in 1938. He served in the U. S. Army from 1942-46 as a medical lab technician stationed at Camp Gordon, Johnston, Florida. He met his future wife, Violet Mitchell, while at military training in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They were married in Arkansas in September of 1949 and then moved to Arizona, settling in Phoenix where they raised their family. He worked for the United States Postal Service, retiring after 32 years with special recognition for his duties as an Airmail Ramp Clerk. He was divorced in 1977 and returned to Clarkfield in 1983 to help with the care of his elderly parents, Basil and Geneva Johnson. He was a thoughtful man with steadfast convictions who enjoyed the simple things in life-a comfortable home, good food, napping in his recliner, and most of all his family and friends. He valued education, was an active reader and enjoyed playing cribbage. He loved going on road trips of both short and long distances and was proud when his driverÂ?s license was renewed at age 83. In accordance with his wishes there will not be a memorial service. His remains will be scattered at a later date in Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona. He is survived by his three children, Tom Johnson of Beaverton, Oregon, Susan Johnson of Hilo, Hawaii, and Sarah Ringe of Show Low, Arizona, 4 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, brother Mentor (Donna) Johnson of Burnsville, sisters Burnett Aase of Madison, Myrtle (Richard) Osmundson of East Grand Forks, Orda Reiten of Minnetonka, and Virginia Johnson of Hopkins, sister-in-law Elaine Johnson of Clarkfield, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Basil and Geneva Johnson and brothers Robert Johnson and Gene S. Johnson. Memorials are requested to Clarkfield Lutheran Church or the Valhalla Senior Apartments in Clarkfield.