Loran Johnson

LORAN SELMAR JOHNSON was born to Selmar & Sena (Peterson) Johnson/Butman on May 21, l926 at their home in Hatfield, Mn. They moved to Pipestone where Loran was baptized at the Evangelical United Brethren Church on June 27, 1926 and confirmed on April 6, 1941. Loran attended school in Pipestone until his dad died. At the age of 16 he quit school to begin working at Armour's in order to help his mother support the family. On March 24, 1945, he was drafted into the Army where he served in Okinawa until his honorable discharge on Dec. 7, l946. Loran then made his home in Pipestone and worked for the REA before taking a job with the Minnesota Department of Transportation where he worked for 40 years, retiring in 1988. On May 11, l953 he married Margie Faulds of Arco, MN at the Diamond Lake Lutheran Church by Lake Benton, MN. They lived all their married life in Pipestone. Loran and Marge became members of First Lutheran Church in 1955 and in 1983 they became charter members of Christ the King Free Lutheran Church in Pipestone, Mn. Loran was a trustee of Christ the King for several years and also helped with the building of Christ the King's church facility.

Loran enjoyed playing softball for the Ed's team, church leagues and the Independent team of Pipestone. He also coached little league baseball when his boys were playing. He loved watching sports and was an avid fan of the Vikings and the Twins. His greatest past time was taking vacation trips with Marge, spending time with his family and fishing. One week every summer was spent up north fishing with his boys, otherwise you would find him at one of the area lakes. He also took his daughter to shop for prom dresses and attend her concerts. He enjoyed shopping for that special outfit to give his wife on occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.

In February of 2008 Loran had a stroke that took his ability to communicate and he gradually declined in his ability to function. On Aug.11, 2011, he entered the Good Samaritan Village and spent his last 3 months at the Pipestone County Hospice House where he died peacefully on Thursday, May 22, 2014 in his sleep. Loran had celebrated his 61st wedding anniversary on May 11th and his 88th birthday the day before he died.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, son Jeffrey Johnson of Windom, MN, daughter Peggy (Al) Aanonson, of Urbandale, IA and son Pastor Tim (Cindy) Johnson of Pipestone, MN, 5 grandchildren (Aubree & Ashlyn Aanonson and Jordan, Jesse & Aaron Johnson), a sister Janice Swanson of Pipestone, MN and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Joyce DeWitte, a brother Daryl Johnson and two brother-in-laws Dale Swanson and Charles DeWitte.

Loran will be missed by his family and friends, however, his faith in Jesus has now afforded him a new home in heaven free from the effects of sin and physical limitations.

Memorials preferred to Christ the King Lutheran Church or Pipestone County Hospice House.