Emery Johnson

Emery Johnson, Jr., 74, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, October 15, 2009 at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.  He was born February 17, 1935, in New Ulm, Minnesota, the son of Emery and Lillian (Hesse) Johnson Sr. He was baptized at home in Essig, Minnesota, and was confirmed in the United Lutheran Church in Frost, Minnesota. He graduated from Frost High School, and then attended Mankato State College where his main areas of study were History and Social Studies, graduating in 1957.  On June 1, 1963, he married Marjorie Salmonson in Fergus Falls. For two years he was employed by the Brown County Welfare Department in New Ulm as a social worker. He then worked for five years for the Otter Tail County Welfare Department as an intake worker and case work supervisor. In 1964 he received the Fergus Falls Jaycees “Outstanding Young Man Award”. In 1965 he began working as Volunteer Service Coordinator at the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center, and was later promoted to the Community Relations Coordinator.   He truly enjoyed his years there as a friend to both staff and clients, and many will remember him as “The Man with the Golden Heart”. One of Emery’s favorite mottos was “Service to humanity is the greatest work of all”, and his life exemplified that. He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, and Kiwanis. Emery enjoyed history, old music, reading, and was an expert World War II historian.  Preceding him in death were his parents. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Johnson of Fergus Falls; two children: Erik and wife Kelly Johnson of Fergus Falls, and Amy Johnson of Fargo, ND; and one granddaughter, Lydia Johnson. Memorials are preferred to Augustana Lutheran Church, Lakeland Hospice, or the Lake Region Hospital Cancer Care and Research Center. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 19, 2009 at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with Reverend Curt Rotto officiating.   Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com