Johnson, Alvin Harris --- 1940-2013

OLSON, JOHNSON

Posted By: IA GenWeb Volunteer
Date: 7/24/2013 at 13:05:27

Alvin Harris Johnson

Alvin Harris Johnson, 72 of rural Farmersburg, Iowa died of an accident at his residence on Friday, May 17, 2013.

Visitation was held one hour before services at the church on Friday May 24, at Norway Lutheran Church, rural St. Olaf, Iowa. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. May 24 at Norway Lutheran Church, rural St. Olaf with interment at the
Norway Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural St. Olaf, Iowa.

Alvin was born in the St. Olaf, Iowa area on October 19, 1940 to Olvin and Clara (Olson) Johnson. He was educated in the rural schools, the grade school in St. Olaf, and graduated from Elkader High School in 1958. He was baptized at the Norway Lutheran Church on December 15, 1940 and confirmed there on June 27, 1954. He served on the church council at Norway and did custodial work at the church for many years. He also was instrumental in obtaining the Estey pipe organ at the church which he transported, assembled and restored to operation, maintaining it with loving care for many years.

Alvin was blessed with mechanical and artistic gifts, and his profound pleasure was in tuning and refurbishing pianos and organs, both as a hobby and professionally. He had an extensive collection of player piano music, and could play several instruments, which was an enjoyable pastime. Through the years Alvin worked as a mechanic for several implement dealers in the area. He also farmed the home place and cared for his mother, Clara, until she died on February 8, 1994. After selling the farm, Alvin retired from farm work and spent his time on other projects and interests.

Alvin was a quiet and reserved person and tended to keep to himself. In younger days he was involved in a music group and met fellow music enthusiasts, traveling to various towns and states for get-togethers. He enjoyed this hobby to the utmost until he was no longer able to participate in these gatherings. As life has many joys and, alas, many pitfalls, Alvin contracted Parkinson’s disease, which he courageously battled and endured for the past number of years. Living alone and caring for his health and daily needs, he is to be commended. He is now at home with his dear Lord, our Savior.

Preceding him in death were his parents, several aunts and uncles and cousins. Survivors include cousins and friends.

Taken from a funeral brochure.