Lavern Donald Johnson was born February 8, 1914 in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Rueben and Emma (Johnson) Johnson. As a young child he moved to northwest Minnesota and attended school in Lancaster, MN. He served his country in the United States Navy as a Seabee from April 1942 until November 1945. While in the Navy, he was stationed in New Guinea, Samoa and the South Sea Island area.

On June 10, 1951, Lavern was united in marriage to Ruth Lillian Nancy Farbo at Lancaster, MN. The couple made their home on the home farm until 1955, when they bought a farm southwest of Thief River Falls, in Bray Township. He farmed and had dairy cattle. Lavern also began working at the Thief River Falls US Post Office in 1964 and retired after 12 years. In August of 2000, the couple moved into Thief River Falls.

Lavern held membership in the American Legion Ecklund-Holmstrom Post #117. He always loved horses and spent many happy hours riding. He also enjoyed visiting the neighbors. He loved to garden, where he raised both flowers and vegetables.

Survived by wife, Ruth, Thief River Falls, MN; children, Pauline Balta, Lincoln, NE, Keith Johnson, Minneapolis, MN, Dean (Brigitte) Johnson, Fond du Lac, WI and Gary (Rhonda) Johnson, Berrien Springs, MI; 6 grandchildren, Catherine Balta, Rachel, Erik and Kirk Johnson and Cassaundra and Brianna Johnson.

Preceded in death by daughter, Heidi Johnson; parents; sisters, Mildred Johnson and Helen Schwenzfeier and brother, Gordon Johnson.

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