Johnson, Melvin Leroy 1913-2002

JOHNSON, ALLEN, MUIR, BUHMAN

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/4/2008 at 08:56:47

From: Sioux City Journal, June 13, 2002

LE MARS, Iowa -- Melvin L. Johnson, 89, of Le Mars died Tuesday, June 11, 2002, at Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John's Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in Le Mars, with the Rev. Gary Landsness officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery, Le Mars. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. today, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars.

Melvin Leroy Johnson was born March 12, 1913, the son of Herman and Mathilda "Tillie" (Allen) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He attended country school in Cherokee County, Iowa. His parent's farmed in the Larrabee, Iowa area. When he was a young boy, his father was injured in a farming accident and Melvin left school to help his father with the farm. The family later moved to a farm in Union Township, rural Plymouth County, Iowa. The family moved to Le Mars in 1960. Following the death of his father, he continued to care for his mother and farm in Union Township.

Melvin was united in marriage to Marvel Muir-Buhman on Nov. 27, 1965. He did carpentry work and operated a back-hoe in Le Mars for several years. He worked with John Brangwin in building the Amber Inn and several other new homes in Le Mars.

He was a longtime member of St. John's Lutheran Church and served as an usher for over 30 years. He enjoyed woodworking and was always willing to lend his skills for projects.

Survivors include his wife of over 36 years, Marvel Johnson of Le Mars; a stepdaughter and her husband, JoAnn and Alfred Janssen of Le Mars; three stepgrandchildren, Barbara and her husband, Bruce Shostak, of Le Mars, David Janssen of Le Mars and Paul Janssen and his wife, Shelia, of Orange City, Iowa; eight great-stepgrandchildren, Teresa and Brandon Shostak, Jean Ann, Laura, Austin, Haley, Madison and Mitchell Janssen; two nephews and their wives, Dennis and Cheryle Coughlin of Rosemont, Minn., and Allen and Darlene Coughlin of Malabar, Fla.; and a sister-in-law, Alice Buhman of Le Mars.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and her husband, Evelyn and Cornelius "Corky" Coughlin; and a brother-in-law, Marvin Buhman.

Pallbearers will be Allen and Dennis Coughlin, David and Paul Janssen, Mark Buhman and Randy Niehus.

Memorials may be directed to St. John's Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.