Emery John Johnson

Emery John Johnson, 91, of St. Charles, MN died Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Mayo Health Systems-St. Mary's Campus. Emery was born March 12, 1926 to John and Julia (Sawilski) Johnson in Kirkland IL. He graduated from Kirkland High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1943. Served during WWII in the amphibian forces in the Pacific. He Served on his ship LST 493 when they signed the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay.

He married Sally Riley in 1946 of which two children were born; John of Livermore, CA, and Julie of Chicago, IL. They farmed in Illinois and he drove semi trucks for Don Mattson for 23 years. He was divorced, and he moved to Minnesota in 1969.

After moving to Minnesota he still farmed. He married Doris Ruhberg in November of 1975, and thought that she was the perfect wife for him. They farmed until 2014 and operated Del's Café for many years until they sold it. He belonged to the American Legion and Moose Club. Worked for Schoenfelder Farms for ten years.
He is survived by son, John (Doris) Johnson; daughter, Julie Johnson; adopted daughter, Carol (Wayne) Carrigan; stepson, James (Sharon) Ruhberg; stepdaughter-in-law, Jennifer Ruhberg; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Hines and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris, parents, two brothers, two sisters, and a stepson.

A funeral for Emery will be held 2 p.m., Thurday January 11 with visitation starting at 12p.m. at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Services, St. Charles. Pastor Mark Docken will be officiating the service. Interment, Saratoga Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Mayo Hospice and Chatfield Lutheran Church.