Vernon C. Johnson

Vernon Clark Johnson (Vernie), 82, died suddenly on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at his home in Fergus Falls.

He was born in Ryder, ND on March 11, 1932 and was the son of Morris and Evelyn Johnson. The family moved to Fergus Falls when he was a young boy. He was the oldest of five children. He attended Fergus Falls Public Schools and graduated from Washington High School in 1950. He began working at a very young age working many summers on his Grandmother’s farm in North Dakota. He also worked at the Fergus Bowling Center setting up pins and at the Park Region Bakery. After High School he started employment with Dahl Music Company until his National Guard unit was called for duty. He was stationed at Camp Rucker, Alabama.

On September 19, 1951 he married Donna Mae Dahl, his young sweetheart, in Ozark, Alabama. In January 1951 his Guard Unit was called for active duty to serve in the Korean War. He was in combat on the front lines until October 1951 when he was honorably discharged. He resumed his employment with Dahl Music Company and worked there for 42 years. In his retirement he enjoyed his part time jobs, especially Nelson Ford delivering and picking up vehicles.

To this union four children were born - Steven, Daniel, Julie and Jennifer. Vernie was very much a family man. He loved being with his kids, helping out any way he could. Another part time job he loved earlier in his life was driving his young boys around when they were in rock and roll bands. He loved to tease his grand kids with magic card tricks and anything he could think of. He enjoyed the grand kids and all their activities, as they were all so special to him. They were a big part of his life.

His prize car, a 1956 Chevy classic, was a joy to him. He was involved with the Classic Car Club, the Uninviteds Car Club, the parades and all that went with it. He enjoyed deer hunting in Wyoming for many years with special friends. They said he was the life of the party. He enjoyed coffee with friends at Stop’N’Go where he had gone just 2 days prior to his death. He was a great cook. His specialty was meatballs and the best pancakes. He also enjoyed his motorcycles for many years.

He was a very humble man and worked hard for his family. When his health started failing it was so hard for him not to be able to do the things he wanted. He was a handyman and could fix anything.

He did not get to know his first great grandchild very well, Little Scarlett, but he loved her a lot. She brought a smile to his face. He will be sadly missed by his wife Donna, his children and grandchildren. He will be missed dearly at all the family get togethers.

Survivors in Fergus Falls include his wife Donna; two sons, Steven (late Karin) Johnson; Daniel (Pat) Johnson; two daughters, Julie (Jeff) Westerberg and Jennifer (David) Lider of Moorhead. Other survivors include three sisters and one brother, Joyce Barnes of Minocqua WI; Phyllis (Earl) Bombardier of Fergus Falls; Mila (Jody) Rund of Mesquite NV and Merle (Marlene) Johnson of Moorhead. Five grandchildren, Abby (John) Briles of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; Tina (fiancé Dan Olson) Johnson, of Rogers; Sydney Maye Lider of Moorhead; Nathan Westerberg and Shane Westerberg of Fargo, ND; one great-grandchild, Scarlett Karin Briles of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI. Other survivors include several step grandchildren, several step great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his father and mother, Morris and Evelyn Johnson; daughter-in-law, Karin Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Laura Dahl.

In lieu of flowers a memorial to Lake Region Healthcare Foundation, Cancer Care and Research Center or a memorial of your choice is suggested

Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.
Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2014 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Pastor Tom Peterson
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls