Carmen E. Johnson

Carmen E. Johnson, 85, died Thursday, September 7, 2006, at his home in rural Lanesboro, MN. Carmen was born February 26, 1921 in Holt Township, Highland, MN, to Ludvig and Mildred (Skalet) Johnson. Carmen was confirmed at the First Lutheran Church of Highland in 1935. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1938 and continued to the University of Minnesota where he graduated in 1942 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. He also earned a scholarship to Iowa State University and began work on a post graduate degree in Ames, IA. Carmen served state side in the U. S. Army during WWII. He married Phyllis M. Overland on February 28, 1948. Carmen's career began working for the First National Bank of Rushford, then went to work for the Selmer Helland ranch in Montana, returned to Minnesota and farmed in Wykoff from 1948 to 1955 and then moved to his home farm in Highland and continued farming until his death. Carmen was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Highland where he served as trustee and taught Sunday school. He also served on the Board of Education in the Highland School District and was an officer in the Farmer's Union.Carmen was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Ron Simpson and brother, Theonal Johnson. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis; son, Steven Johnson of rural Lanesboro, MN; two daughters, Connie Simpson of Bangor, WI and Fay (Ross) Himlie of Rushford, MN; and two grandchildren, Nell and Leah Himlie.A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 11, 2006, at 1:30pm at the First Lutheran Church of Highland with the Reverend Paul Johnson officiating. Interment of Carmen's cremated body will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel on Sunday from 4-7:00pm and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Military Honors will be conducted by the American Legion of Rushford.Please feel free to share a memory of Carmen with the family or sign the online guestbook at: www.hofffuneral.com