Gail S. Johnson

The funeral service for Gail Johnson of Verndale will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 10, at the Hope Chapel in rural Verndale. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Gail S. Johnson, age 90, was welcomed into heaven on September 7, 2016. He was born January 10, 1926 on his parent's farm in Wing River Township, Bluegrass, MN, the son of Herbert I. Johnson and Hilda (Kirkeeng) Johnson. Gail graduated from Wadena High School in 1943 and on January 12,1947, was united in marriage to Leona (Arildsen) Johnson at her parent's home in Sebeka, MN. The marriage was blessed with six children. After a trip to California, they built a home and settled on the family farm. He worked for the Wadena County Highway Department and farmed with his dad. He was employed at the Wadena Sawmill for several years and took over the family farm in 1960. In the early 70's, he built a new home on County Rd 7, started up Johnson Dilley Construction, officially retired at age 76 and resided in Verndale. Gail and Leona traveled to many states, took a trip to Denmark in 1996, and for many years, wintered in Arizona and New Mexico. His hobbies include woodworking, hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a member of Wing River Township Board, District 14 School Board, Bethany Lutheran Church Board, Hope Chapel Church Board and member of Caballo Church, NM. Gail was a loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and was devoted to family with a deep love of God and church. He spent many hours in his shop and garage crafting wood crosses that he gave away to everyone he met all over the world. Gail was a great story teller and would spend hours telling stories of hunting/fishing escapades and funny family antics. He had an uncanny ability to keep you listening and never tire of hearing the stories. Gail is survived by his wife of 69 years, Leona, Menahga, MN, daughter-in-law, Mary Johnson, Tavares, FL, son, David (Robin) Johnson, Las Lunas, NM, daughter, Barbara (Bruce) Barth, Park Rapids, MN, daughter, Virginia (Robert) Deeds, Bemidji, MN, daughter, Gaylene Kozak, Albuquerque, NM, son, Harold Johnson, Staples, MN; sister, Verlys Dilley, Wadena, MN; 15 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Gail was preceded in death by his parents; son, Darrel Johnson; sister, Charlotte Folkstead, grandson, Richard Lewis, and great-grandson, Christian Johnson. Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Johnson, Gregg Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Todd Barth, David Johnson and Luke Johnson. Burial will be at a later date in the Sebeka West Cemetery, rural Sebeka, MN.

Gail S. Johnson

January 10, 1926 - September 7, 2016