Wesley H. Johnson, former businessman, 88, died Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at his home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Monday, July 27, 2009 at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Ale Tulu officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be 5-8 PM, Sunday, July 26, 2009 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Monday.

Wesley Harding Johnson was born October 2, 1920 in Minneapolis, MN to Morton and Rose (Nelson) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. At nine months old he moved to Thief River Falls, MN and he was raised by his mother and grandparents. He attended school in Thief River Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1938. During his high school years, he worked at National T. Grocery Store.

After high school, Wes moved to Minneapolis for work. He attended vocational school while living there. Then Wes enlisted in the US Army from 1944 to 1946.

He was united in marriage to Irene Amanda Nelson on September 30, 1951 in Long Beach, CA. Irene went on vacation to California and Wes followed her. They had been dating for 2 ½ years. They made their home on Main Avenue in Thief River Falls.

After his service time, he worked for his grandpa in the Nelson Grocery Store in Thief River Falls, MN and later purchased the business from his grandparents. They ran the grocery store for about 10 years in the 1950s. In 1960, they moved to a farm west of Thief River Falls. He raised chickens for about three years.

In 1963, Wes began selling insurance for Mutual Service Insurance in Thief River Falls. He kept his office on his home. In 1966, they moved to Thief River Falls and kept his office out of his house. He retired from MSI in 1989. Even after retiring, he continued the insurance business for many years. Wes loved to work and didnt complain about work.

Wes favorite thing was golfing. He golfed many tournaments and Wednesday mens leagues. He played tennis well into his 60s. He was active in the Lions club for many years. He rang the bell for the Salvation Army for many years. He worked with the Scouts and was an advisor for them. He was also on the Cancer Association Board. He taught 55 and alive driving. He was a member of the American Legion. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served on many boards at the church. He taught 7th grade Sunday School for many years, worked auditing the books of the church, drove the bus. He volunteered a lot and got much enjoyment out of that. He loved to watch sports, especially his grandchildrens games. He had a love for people young and old.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Irene Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN, 1 daughter Ruth Bray, Thief River Falls, MN, 1 son Mark (Fern) Johnson, Plano, TX, 6 grandchildren: David (Sarah) Bray, Rebekah (Barry) Pederson, Rachel Bray, Bryson Bray, Connor Johnson, Cooper Johnson, 2 great grandchildren: Caleb and Alexander Bray, 1 brother Robert Johnson, Clearwater, FL.

Wes was preceded in death by one son: Paul Johnson, parents, and brother Merle Johnson.