Dayton Johnson

Dayton Johnson, 88, of Battle Lake passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 15, 2009, surrounded by his family. Dayton was born October 26, 1920. He grew up on a farm in Buffalo, ND. He served during WWII with the Army Air Force as a ball turret gunner flying in B17’s. After the war he returned to Buffalo and began farming. He married a young schoolteacher, Edna (Robin) Kjelland, in 1950. At various times during Dayton’s farming career, he took supporting jobs: gas station attendant/manager and truck driver. He was also a custodian at the Detroit Lakes Vocational School, the job from which he retired in 1990. During retirement, he began another career in woodworking; he loved building furniture and cabinets for family and friends. He also enjoyed building a few items for Nidaros Church. His favorite pastime was connecting with family and friends. No drive was too far if a visit waited at the road’s end. Dayton loved having people come to their home as well. Fishing also brought a smile. Dayton is survived by his wife: Edna/Robin Kjelland Johnson, children: Brenda (Tom) Schiltgen of Redondo Beach, CA, Barry (Dee) Johnson of Underwood, MN, and Lorna (Ed) Ruskin of St. Paul, MN, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and brother: Jack Johnson of Valley City, ND. His parents: Clarence & Evelyn (Harrington) Johnson of Buffalo, ND, and his sister: Calley Grondahl of Lake Park, MN, precede him in death. During the last seven months, Dayton grew fond of the Lakeland Hospice staff, who supported him and his family with Dayton’s care at home. A memorial service for Dayton will be held on Saturday, August 1st, at 11:00 am, at the Nidaros Lutheran Church in rural Clitherall, MN. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Lakeland Hospice or Nidaros Church. Assistance provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.