Edward John Johnson, 89 of Newfolden passed away Sunday, February 17, 2019 at home in Newfolden, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 24, 2019 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Newfolden, MN with Rev. Cathie Rhodes officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial at Our Saviors Cemetery of Thief Lake in the spring.

Edward was born March 11 ^th , 1929 in rural Beltrami County near Blackduck, MN to Edward and Nellie (Maish) Johnson.  Ed attended Macy Country School in Hornet Township, near Blackduck, MN and school in Thief River Falls.

Ed worked many years for Enbridge Pipeline. He shared many fond memories with his family about his travels, adverse working conditions and lifelong friends he made through his years spent working on various pipeline projects.

In 1988, Gladys Gast and Ed were married in Thief River Falls, where they made their home. Gladys and Ed enjoyed going south for the winter months, as well as traveling many miles in several different motor homes.  Fishing, hunting, mowing grass, riding 4 wheeler, cutting wood, relocating spruce trees, reading, puzzles, celebrating holidays, and birthdays with family. These gatherings always meant a few games of cards, Ed could play cards morning, noon, and night.  Ed and Gladys were always willing to help out with daycare for neighbor's kids and family members. Ed had a heart of gold and helped out whenever he could. In recent years, their home in Newfolden was a perfect hub for family and friends to get together. Ed was able to live his final wish of spending his final days at his home, due to his amazing wife, Gladys and family, accomplished with the assistance of Altru Warren Hospice.

Ed is survived by his wife, Gladys, sister Eva Krogstad, step children Tom Gast (Julie), Dianna Woodard (friend Darrell), Steve Gast (Vicki), 9 step grandchildren, 17 step great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, special family, and friends.

Preceded in death by: Parents, Edward and Nellie Johnson, Sisters: Gertrude Hagen, Florence Osmundson, Rose Westrem, Fern Curtiss, Elsie Vernlund. Brothers Walter, Wallace, William, Robert, Clarence, and Art Johnson, and two step grand children.

Pallbearers:  All family and friends who touched Ed's heart.

Special music: The Beito Family- Precious Lord Take My Hand & Old Rugged Cross

Hymns: Amazing Grace, Lord of All Hopefulness, I'll Fly Away

Ed's favorite verse: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."  John 16:33.

Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It's filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure.
- Author Unknown

The family would like to thank everyone for the many expressions of love, concern and compassion from friends and loved ones during this difficult time. Words cannot express the strength you have given us. May Ed's bright spirit live on in us all. In lieu of sending thank-yous to everyone for memorials, a portion will be donated to Altru Warren Hospice, Bethlehem Lutheran Church and others as designated.