Johnson, Roger E. 1921-2008

JOHNSON, PETERSON, CARLBERG, KNAPP

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 2/27/2008 at 21:53:34

AKRON, Iowa -- Roger E. Johnson, 86, of Akron passed away Friday, Jan. 18, 2008, at his residence in Akron.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A., in Akron, with the Rev. Dawn Quame officiating. Burial of the cremated remains will be in Riverside Cemetery at Akron. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. today, with the family present after 6 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Carlsen Funeral Home-Schroeder Chapel in Akron.

Roger Ellsworth Johnson was born Sept. 25, 1921, in Akron, Iowa, the son of Emil and Hulda (Peterson) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He attended grade school in Akron and later graduated from Westfield High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He was enrolled in the Army Specialized Training Program until his deployment to England, where he served his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged.

After returning from the war, he worked on the family farm for a few years until he started to do carpentry work. He began working for the Akron Lumber Company in Akron. He retired from the lumber yard after 25 years of service. Following his retirement, he continued to do carpentry jobs in the Akron area.

He was united in marriage to Phyllis Carlberg Knapp on Jan. 12, 1973, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Akron. They made their home in Akron. Roger and Phyllis had recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.

Roger was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron, where he ushered for many years. He and Phyllis were also active in the YoMaCo's. He was a member of the Akron Lion's Club, helping with the paper barn for many years. He was also a member of the Akron Senior Center and the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. He enjoyed playing golf and reading as well as playing pinochle and bridge. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of over 35 years, Phyllis of Akron; four stepchildren, Gordon Knapp and his wife, Ritta of Orlando, Fla., Stan Knapp and his wife, Diane of Lincoln, Neb., Barbara Brown and her husband, Craig of Sioux City, and Brian Knapp and his wife, Terresa of Lohrville, Iowa; a sister, Phyllis Frisk of Akron; a brother, Arden Johnson and his wife, Alta of Akron; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Gerald Carlberg of Austin, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Gwen Erickson of Trinidad, Colo., and Edith Wells of Anaheim, Calif.; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Clifford Johnson; and a sister, Lois Decker.

Memorials can be made in Roger's name to the Immanuel Lutheran Choir.

~Source: The Sioux City Journal, Jan. 21, 2008