Rodney Johnson
The memorial service celebrating the life of Rodney Johnson of Staples will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, at the Balsamlund Lutheran Church in rural Aldrich with Pastor Tom Kolden presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Burial will be at a later date in Balsamlund Cemetery in rural Aldrich, MN.
Rodney, age 88, passed away July 16, 2024, at Lakewood Health System, Staples.
Rodney was born to Fred and Ida (Westberg) Johnson on December 31, 1935, at Bartlett Township, Todd County, MN. He attended country school through the eighth grade and Staples High School where he was very active in FFA, earning The American Farmer Award. He graduated with the class of 1954.
On July 8, 1961, Rodney married Janet Louise Manske at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bartlett Township. He farmed with his family for many years before retiring in 1997. For the next 10 years he mowed parks for the City of Staples. In hours away from work, Rodney liked his weekly card games, working on puzzles, playing darts and watching his grandchildren play baseball and hockey. He went on daily road trips, “checking on the crops”. In 2018, Rodney was honored to be selected as one of Todd County’s Outstanding Senior Citizens. He was a member of Balsamlund Church, serving many years on the Cemetery Board and enjoyed time in the church men’s group.
Rodney is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Janet; one son, Darwin Johnson of Omaha, NE; two daughters, Cyndy (Gary) Bern of Brooklyn Park and Diane (Craig) Jasmer of Aldrich; two grandchildren, Brittany and Evan Bern; three great-grandchildren, Loretta, Nash and Dutton Bern; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Preceding Rodney in death were his parents, Fred and Ida; one son, Jon Johnson; siblings, Ethel (Glen) Klebs and Herbert Johnson; and Janet’s parents, Ernest and Evelyn Manske.
Memorials are preferred to Balsamlund Cemetery Fund.
Arrangements are with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Wadena, MN (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com).
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