Lyle N. Johnson

Lyle Norman Johnson, 86, of Rushford went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 23,2009. He died at home with his family at his side, following a two-month battle with cancer. Lyle was born June 16, 1922 in Albert Lea, Minn. to Norman and Sella (Prestegard) Johnson. He was raised in Mapleton, Minn. and graduated from Mapleton High School in 1941 where he was an avid basketball player and captain of his team. Lyle joined the Navy in June of 1942 and was honorably discharged in June of 1947. He was a gunner on a merchant marine vessel. While stationed in Bremerton, Wash. he and his shipmates played basketball against "Meadow Lark Lemon" and the original Harlem Globetrotters. After leaving the service, Lyle, his father and his brother owned and operated a bakery in Owatonna, Minn. On November 2nd 1947, he married Margaret L. (Peggy) Schultz. They were married 61 years and raised three children. In June of 1950, Lyle and Peggy moved to Rushford and bought the Rushford Bakery, which they owned and operated for 40 years, retiring in 1990. In 1998, they received the Retired Rushford Business Award presented by the Rushford Area Business Association. He was a member of the Rushford Lutheran Church and member and stockholder of the Ferndale Country Club. Lyle enjoyed spending time with his family, golfing, gardening, walking, and attending many R-P athletic events in support of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy; son Dr. Rodney (Kathy) Johnson Minneapolis, daughter Patty (Jeff) Bunke, Rushford, and son Barry (Kathie) Johnson, also from Rushford; five grandchildren Kim (Rod) Anderson, Robert (Jen) Bunke, Nicole (Matt) James, Krista Johnson and Holly Johnson; five great-grandchildren Leandra and Daniel Anderson, Madisyn, Robert, and Jackson Bunke; two great-great-grandchildren, Aviana and Camdyn Anderson; sister, Fern Roberts of San Antonio, Texas and several nieces and nephews. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Milo. The funeral service for Lyle will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/60237