Gene Johnson

Gene Alton Johnson was born on Nov. 26, 1928, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Gilbert Johann and Agnes Johnson Wicks. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Gethesmane Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. He graduated in 1947 from Patrick Henry High School. He attended Hamlin University in St. Paul, MN, and studied at the Gene Hundredmark School of Design Advertising, receiving his Commercial Marketing certificate. He studied violin as a boy and continued playing into adulthood. The highlight of his college experience was preforming with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. Gene was united in marriage to DeLoris Aasland on Oct. 20, 1951, at Gethesmane Lutheran Church. He was called to serve his country in the United States Navy. He proudly served from Dec. of 1951 to Nov. of 1953, at which time he was placed on active reserve duty until his honorable discharge in June of 1954.Gene was employed by Minnegasco / Center Point Energy for over 37 years, beginning as a file clerk, advancing to district clerk and eventually achieving the position of statistical analyst. He retired in 1990. Gene was a well educated individual with natural talents and a passion for art and music. His artistic abilities included portraiture in oils, pastel & charcoal, rosemaling, woodcarving and ceramics. He enjoyed crafting beautiful stained glass pieces, especially using scrap pieces in original designs. He spent many evenings tying his own fly fishing lures and loved to fish. He fondly recalled the summers he spent as a young man Â?up northÂ? at his aunt & uncleÂ?s cabin. His uncle Linus would expound on the fine art of "Scientific Fishing" but Gene would catch the big fish while uncle Linus only caught Â?sunniesÂ? & crappies!Gene possessed a deep spirituality and personal relationship with his Lord. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church and participated in the Bethel Bible Study Series, eventually becoming a Bethel Bible Study Teacher. He was a 50 year member of the Masonic Fraternity and a member of the Scottish Rite. He would have received 50 year recognition pin on September 24th. On Saturday evening Sept. 24, 2011, Gene was called from this life He was 82 years of age.He is survived by his wife DeLoris of Montevideo, MN; his daughters Christine (& Donald) Deppe of Humble, TX and DeLaura (& Alan) Van Ravenswaay of Montevideo, MN; his grandchildren Earl & Josiah Ostertag and Emily & Laura Van Ravenswaay; sister-in-law Lorraine (& Milford) Burklund of San Angelo, TX and brother-in-law Amil (& Betty) Aasland of Cross Lake, MN; aunt Esther Skoog of Fargo, ND, several nieces, nephews, cousins, many wonderful neighbors and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; his step-father; brother & sister-in-law Duane & Phyllis Johnson; nephew Paul Johnson and brothers-in-law Lloyd Collison and Lars Aasland.