Thief River
Falls - Benhart "Ben" Johnson, 85, died Sunday, March 5, 2000 at
Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls with Rev. Marcia Sylvester officiating. Joyce Halbasch will be the organist, and Rev. Terri Cuppett will be the soloist.
Casketbearers will be Aaron Johnson, Adam Johnson, Jeff Teal, David Carlson, Gary Reed and Paul Johnson. Honorary casketbearers will be John Peterson, Arnold Kelley, Lenny Hellquist, Duane Larson, Bob Bregier, George Mokler, Kenny Dunrud, Richard Johnson, the VFW Bowling Team, Soo Line co-workers, VFW friends as well as all friends and relatives. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Visitation will be held today (Wednesday, March 8) from 3 to 8 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to services at the church.
Benhart Anton Johnson was born on December 29, 1914 in Moylan township of Marshall county, the son of Peter and Bertha (Bagne) Johnson. He attended school and grew up in Moylan township. Ben worked on area farms, using his team of horses, and also drove the bread truck for Jungs for a few years. In 1941, he entered the United States Army, serving during World War II in New Guinea, the South Pacific and Hawaii. He completed his desert training in Arizona. Ben returned to Thief River Falls in 1946.
On October 26, 1946, he was united in marriage to Mildred Carlson at the Swedish Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. The couple owned and operated two restaurants in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Later, Ben began working for the Soo Line Railroad in the car repair department. He retired in 1979. During the early 1960s he managed the VFW Club. He also worked in painting and home construction jobs.
Ben was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, a life member of the VFW and Cooties, a member of the American Legion and the 40 et 8 group.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends.
Ben is survived by one daughter, Patricia (Brad) Teal of Surprise, AZ; one son, Bruce (Anita) Johnson of Cottage Grove; one stepson, Robert Carlson of Ellendale, ND; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Emma Olson of Oklee; two brothers, Albert Johnson of Goodridge and Oscar Johnson of Thief River Falls; and his special friend, Lorraine Morben.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred in 1994; three brothers, Art, Johnny and Elmer; and two sisters, Julia McCoy and Gladys Grovum.
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