Merril Johnson, of Dawson, died Monday, October 24, 2016 at Johnson Memorial Hospital at the age of 89.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson. Rev. Kendall Stelter will officiate and interment will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday, October 27, from 5 to 7 PM at the Hanson & Dahl Funeral Home in Dawson with a prayer service starting at 7 PM. Visitation will continue one hour before services at the church on Friday.
Walter Merril Johnson was born on July 10, 1927 in Dawson, MN to Walter and Althea (Femrite) Johnson. He grew up on a farm and attended country school in Baxter township. He was confirmed at Riverside Lutheran Church on June 8, 1941. On December 27, 1959, Merril married Virginia Angrimson and together they had three children.
Merril worked several different jobs as a sales representative. He worked for a tobacco company in the Twin Cities for 17 years and later moved back to the Dawson area and worked for Moe Equipment and Ag Systems. Merril also served as County Commissioner for Lac qui Parle County for 12 years after he retired from sales.
Merril was known for his positivity and humor. He loved spending time with family and friends, entertaining them with jokes and stories. He enjoyed traveling, camping, golfing, cards, helping on his son’s farm and ice cream. Above all, he loved and was so proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He loved people, loved life and was an inspiration for finding joy no matter what challenge he faced.
Merril is survived by his children: Lynn (Gary) Skordahl of Willmar, MN, Lee (Chris) Johnson of Montevideo, MN and Charles (Chris) Johnson of Evergreen, CO; 10 grandchildren: Adam, Christopher (Bria), Britta (Taylor), Calie, Kirsten, Colin, Allison, Ashley, Tanner, and Mitchell; one great-grandchild, Jack; special friend, Shirley Bergeson-Kittelson; a brother, Darrell Johnson of California; and a brother-in-law, Don Roberts of Portland, OR.
Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Virginia in 1993; and a sister, Arlys Roberts.