Edwin Johnson, 1923-2020

Published 3:24 pm Friday, May 8, 2020

Funeral services for Edwin Milton Johnson,  96, of Albert  Lea will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home.  The Rev. Ost will officiate. Internment will be at Greenwood Cemetary following the funeral. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Social distancing guidelines of no more than 10 people in the funeral home will be observed at both visitation and funeral. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Edwin Johnson

Edwin died peacefully Wednesday afternoon, May 6, 2020, at St. Therese in New Hope, where he was loved and cared for. He was able to have Gaylen and Kathy by his side when he passed. 

Eddy was born Oct. 22, 1923, in Albert Lea to Martin and Clara (Listule) Johnson.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, training as an underwater demolitions team then as a gunner on a Higgins boat aboard the USS Weiss. He served in both Atlantic and Pacific Theatres from 1944 to 1946, when he was honorably discharged. Edwin went on the Southern Minnesota Honor Flight accompanied by his son in October 2010.

On Sept. 9, 1951, Edwin married Sylvia Marie Christenson. Eddy worked in highway maintenance for Freeborn County Highway Department before joining Minnesota Department of Transportation. He retired from MNDOT in 1986 and enjoyed farming throughout his life.

Eddy was a lifelong resident of Albert Lea and a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Grace Lutheran Church. 

Edwin loved working with antique tractors, cars and farm equipment. He loved attending steam shows and car shows with family and friends. As of late, he will be remembered for sitting in his driveway watching traffic and visiting. 

Edwin is survived by his son, Gaylen (Kathy) Johnson; granddaughter, Jessica (Robson) Borba; great-grandsons Noah and Taylor; great-granddaughter, Kealani; as well as many friends. 

Edwin was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sylvia; his parents; brother, Clifford; and half-brothers Melvin and Levander. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Twin Cities Honor Flight or Greenwood Cemetery.