Obituary of William Joseph Johnson

William Joseph Johnson, South Haven, passed away July 16 in White Bear Lake, MN. Preceded in death by parents Joseph Johnson and Emma Johnson Harrison; step-father Richard Harrison; sisters Elsie Jensen and Elizabeth Spidahl; step-sister Jean McMichael; son Greg; grandson Andrew Gullings. Bill was born in Melby, MN on the family farm. After his father died, he lived with his family in Evansville and later Alexandria, where he graduated from high school. He served in the navy, after which he attended Gustavus Adolphus College. Bill went on to become a longtime United Methodist pastor, serving congregations in Dubuque, St. Paul, and Monticello. In 1974 he became a Wright County Head Start Director, retiring in 1989. Bill was an avid fisherman, reader, lover of music, gardener, photographer, and outdoorsman. He was most of all a loving and dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He is survived by (former) wife, Helen Ann Johnson; brother Richard (Arlene) Johnson; daughters Mary (Robert) Nus, Carolyn Johnson; sons Paul (Mary Jo) Johnson, Mark Johnson, Robert (Penny) Johnson, Brian (Deb) Johnson; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. Memorial service will be held Saturday, July 25 11:00 AM at Buffalo United Methodist Church, 609 8th St. NW. Flowers may be sent to the church. Memorial donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Minnesota, St. Paul.