Harold “Fritz” Johnson, of Alexandria and formerly of Dawson, died in his sleep on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 97.
Memorial services was Saturday, April 13, 2013 at PM at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Kendall Stelter and Pastor Erika Benson officiating; scripture lessons were Psalm 139:1-18, Isaiah 43:1-3 and Matthew 5:1-16; organist, Chris Lehne accompanied the congregation in singing “Beautiful Savior” and “How Great Thou Art”. Interment was in Grace Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the Oscar Lee American Legion Post and the Strand-Saboe VFW Post of Dawson.
An additional memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 1:30 PM in the chapel at Bethany Home in Alexandria.
Harold Gustav Johnson was born January 16, 1916 at Haydenville, MN the son of Fritjof and Elsie (Gjenvik) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in Madison and graduated from Madison High School in 1934. Harold served in the US Army during WWII and also during the Korean War. He was united in marriage with Opal Ronning June 9, 1940 in Dawson. They lived in Minneapolis, Canby, Dawson (1949-1962), Alexandria (1962-1968) and Burnsville (1968-1972). Finally returning to Alexandria in 1972 where they lived until their passing. Fritz was a regional service manager for AAA for twenty-five years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner. He always enjoyed listening to big band music.
Fritz was a renaissance man. He was interested in everything and willing to try anything. His skills included macramé, building wishing wells, making wind chimes (which always had harmonious tones), a little gardening and while he could see-computer use. He was 85 years old when he enrolled in Intro to Computers at Alexandria Technical College. He was generous with his service as a volunteer. He loved to brighten someone’s day, sharing greetings and bags of popcorn with many people. After losing his sight to macular degeneration he read voraciously taking advantage of books for the blind. Not afraid of new things he had a set of three ipods with big band music so that he could listen to and share his music with everyone. No downtime for recharging. While living at Bethel Manor he was quite the inventive cook both in technique and ingredients!!! He was a loving husband, parent, grandparent and great-grandparent. He always held back to let the children come to him first, but was thrilled to see them and share time with them in any way. He was so proud of all of his family and enjoyed their activities and accomplishments.
He is survived by three children: Robert Johnson of Eden Prairie, MN, Paul (Candace) Johnson of Alexandria, MN, and Jean Kent of Lakeville, MN; five grandchildren: Anne Kent, Andrew (Cara) Kent, Alexandra Kent, Elizabeth (Michael) Huebner, and Douglas Johnson; two great-grandchildren: Samantha and Andrew; two sisters: Lillian Hagg of Eau Claire, WI and Elsa Ditty of St. Cloud, MN.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Opal on October 20, 2009; a son Jerome; a brother, Orville; and a brother-in-law, Herb Hagg.