Johnson, Blaine 1896 - 1944

JOHNSON, KNUDSON, LARSON, OLSON, RONQUIST, GEHRING

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/31/2024 at 00:02:56

Clayton County Register, 21 Dec. 1944.

ST. OLAF: Funeral services for Blaine Johnson, 48, veteran of World War I, who died suddenly at his home here Monday, were held Thursday afternoon at the Norway Lutheran church, with the Rev. S. J. Strandjord officiating. Burial was in the adjoining cemetery. His comrades of St. Olaf Post of the American Legion conducted military services at the graveside. Pallbearers were Floyd Orvis, Vernett Embretson, Alvin Larson, Horace Larson, Harvey Burch, Emil Johnson and Roy Engelhardt.

Mr. Johnson, son of Ole and Anna Johnson, was born June 12, 1896, in Wagner township. He was stricken suddenly with a heart attack Saturday morning while at work at the lumber company. Sunday he seemed better, but he died suddenly at 5:30 o'clock Monday morning.

He Spent his early life on the farm, and at the age of 22 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas during World War I with the 319th Field Artillery, 82nd Division. He was honorably discharged May 21, 1919, after which he managed the home farm with his brother Orvin.

In 1923 he moved to St. Olaf and worked in the Knudson garage for some time, after which he was employed as tank salesman for the White Star oil company for 12 years. During the past year he was employed at the St. Olaf lumber company.

He was a member of the Norway Lutheran church and had been baptized and confirmed in that faith.

He was a charter member of St. Olaf American Legion post No. 388.

Jan. 05, 1928, he was married to Gladys Knudson, who survives together with five sisters, Mrs. Helen Larson of Minneapolis, Mrs. Joe Larson and Mrs. Herbert Olson of St. Paul, Mrs. Elmer Ronquist of St. Olaf, and Mrs. Wm. Gehring of Elkader, and two brothers, Rudolph pf Fayette and Olvin of St. Olaf, also a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Ruth, and four brothers, Otto, Olavus, Henry and Benjamin.