Derald Johnson

Winona, MNDerald J. Johnson, 67, of 4136 Service Drive, Winona, MN, died Wednesday, June 23, of leukemia.Derald was born July 23, 1936 in Clearbrook, Minn., to Martin and Martha (Rydeen) Johnson.He attended grade school in rural Hayfield, Minn., and graduated from Lewiston High School, Lewiston, MN, in 1954. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1959. He was stationed in Fort Riley, Kan., until Honorably discharged in 1961. He received the Good Conduct Medal and Marksman decoration.He married Helen Ziegler Dec. 31, 1960, in Arcadia, Wis. They have resided in Winona since 1962.Derald had great pride in his trucking business, D.J. Johnson Transfer, which he ran from 1962 to 1998. He was the trucker manager of Winona County Coop. Shipping Association for 36 years, hauling livestock and freight. After son, Terry, took over the operation of D.J. Johnson Transfer, Derald and wife, Helen, drove over the road for Bay and Bay and Saturn Trucking Companies. He belonged to Winona Elks No. 327, Lewiston Sportsman Club, Central Lutheran Church and Winona County Fair Hall of Fame. Derald is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Helen; devoted children, Terry (Linda) Johnson of Winona, and Nyla (Marty) Holzer of Lakeville, Minn.; four grandsons, Jacob and Justin Johnson and Matthew and Tyler Holzer; mother, Martha Johnson of Fremont, Minn.; brothers, Don Johnson and David (Pat) Johnson of Fremont; sister, Mary (Roger) Nahrgang of Chandler, Ariz., and other relatives who will miss him greatly.He was preceded in death by his father, Martin H. Johnson, and sister-in-law, Pauline Johnson.Family and friends were moved by his ability to keep his sense of humor and determination through all he has endured during his 16 months of illness.He was truly a unique individual who loved his family, especially his four grandsons and the joy they brought to his life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him and his spirit will remain in our hearts forever.Casket bearers are Gary Hayes, Jim Neldner, David Mueller, Irvin Hovell, Dennis Kukowski and Richard Walski.Honorary casket bearers will be Verna and Virgil Schieck and Wanda and Reuben Rydeen.Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, June 28, at Central Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michelle Rem officiating. Burial in Freemont Scotch Cemetery, Fremont. Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the church, and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.Hoff Funeral Homes ? Burke Winona Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.