Johnson, Arden Elving 1919- 2010

JOHNSON, PETERSON, WYATT

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/27/2010 at 11:10:59

Arden Johnson, 91, of Akron, Iowa passed away Friday, October 15, 2010 at the Akron Care Center in Akron, Iowa.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in Akron, Iowa. Pastor Dawn Quame will officiate. Private Family Graveside services will be in Riverside Cemetery in Akron, Iowa, with military rites conducted by the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron, Iowa. Visitation and fellowship with the family at the church will follow the memorial service. The Carlsen Funeral Home – Schroeder Chapel in Akron is in charge of arrangements.

Arden Elving Johnson was born August 22, 1919 in Akron, Iowa, the son of G. Emil and Hulda (Peterson) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron. He attended school in Akron and graduated from Akron High School in 1937. He attended college at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD.

He was drafted into the United States Army, and served his country for 3 ½ years during WWII, spending time in New Guinea, the Philippines, and Japan. For his service to his country, he was awarded a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged.

He was united in marriage to Alta Wyatt on June 6, 1948 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron. Arden began working for the Akron School District as a custodian, bus driver, superintendent’s secretary and board secretary. He later worked for the U.S. Postal Service, serving as post master when he retired after 21 years in 1979. Later on, he expanded his joy of woodworking owning and operating HARPO Frames, building more than 6,000 picture frames.

Arden was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron, serving several terms on the church council and volunteering his efforts wherever needed. He and Alta were also charter and active members in the YoMaCo’s for many years. He was a member of the Hoschler American Legion Post 186 of Akron. He was an active member for many years in the Akron Lion’s Club, serving as past president and helping with the paper barn. He also served on the Akron City Council, Akron Golf Course board, and was a Cub Scout Leader. He volunteered his time at the Akron Care Center. He loved to go golfing, camping, and traveling throughout the world. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife of over 62 years, Alta of Akron; his two daughters: Boni (Jim) Lochner of Fayetteville, AR, and Wendi (Dean) Lakeman of St. Louis, MO; 5 grandchildren: Brandon (Kellie) Markve of Dakota Dunes, SD, Natalie Lakeman of St. Louis, MO, Blake Markve of Dakota Dunes, SD, Alison Lakeman of St. Louis, MO, and Christa Lakeman of St. Louis, MO; 2 step grandchildren: Brianna (Bryan) Cless of Seattle, WA and Jessica Hooks of Cedar Falls, IA; a sister: Phyllis Frisk of Akron, IA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Clifford and Roger Johnson; and a sister: Lois Decker.

Memorials can be made in Arden’s name to the following: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Akron Care Center, or Lutheran Lakeside Camp.

Carlsen Funeral Home
Akron, Iowa