The family of Warren Clayton Johnson is mourning the loss of our beloved Dad and Grandpa. He passed away in St. Cloud on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at the age of 89. Dad was being well cared for by his youngest son, Clark, daughter-in-law, Brenda, and grandson, Clayton, of Anoka. Elder son Jim from Cincinnati, Ohio, as well as daughter Lisa from St. Louis, Mo., came to remind Dad how much we loved and respected him.
Warren Johnson was born at Naeve Hospital in Albert Lea on July 1, 1920, to Mary Jensen Johnson and Axel Johnson. He graduated from Albert Lea Central High in 1937 and while in school, Dad began his life-long love of sports that included baseball, hockey, bowling and golf. He was proficient at all of these and was particularly instrumental in the development of youth hockey in Albert Lea. The completion of the City Arena was a proud accomplishment for him.
Dad had two hole-in-ones in Albert Lea and “shot his age” at 76. He had plans to go to baseball umpire school, but went to San Diego with friends instead. While there, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred and Warren worked for Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego building “flying boats,” the PBY-6A. He continued this work in New Orleans, La., until the war’s end. This period was the only time Warren lived away from Albert Lea. He returned home and worked for Interstate Power Company and the Albert Lea Foundry. Dad met and married Donna Carr in 1952 and our family eventually included children Jim, Lisa and Clark. He and Donna lived for 45 years on Second Avenue.
Dad was a life and health insurance agent for many years, traveling throughout south-central Minnesota to work with families and creameries. Dad liked to trade in his cars every three years and still has a file of all the original window stickers.
Anyone who knew Dad would agree with the caption placed under his picture in the high school yearbook of 1937: “Generally speaking, he is generally speaking.” A stop to pick up a carton of milk at Super Valu never took less than 20 minutes. He truly enjoyed interaction with others and was a loyal friend to many.
His beloved wife, Donna, of 56 years died in 2008. In addition to his three children: Jim, Lisa and Clark and grandson Clayton, Warren (Papa) will be greatly missed and long-remembered by grandson, Jeffrey, U.S. Army, of Camp Taji, Iraq; grandson, Jadwin, and granddaughter, Jessica, of Cincinnati, Ohio; grandson, Erik, of Denver, Colo.; and granddaughter Kate of St. Louis, Mo. Many much-loved dogs and cats will be happy to once again be spoiled by Dad, who truly was one of the most honorable, loving and gentle men we have, or will ever, come to know.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Benedicts Senior Community Center for the loving care provided to Warren. Memorials may be sent to Clark Johnson, 767 Johnson St., Anoka, MN 55303.