Wendell Sidney Johnson

Wendell Sidney Johnson, 80, of Rush City, died of a stroke at Fairview Lakes Regional Hospital in Wyoming, Minn. on Sunday, April 27, 2003.
Visitation was held at Olson Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, April 30. Funeral service was held on May 1, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rush City with Pastor Laurie OíShea officiating. Casket bearers were Wendellís grandchildren. Vocalist was Jon Ekstrom and the organist was Dianne Kirchberg. Interment was at First Lutheran Cemetery, Rush City.
Wendell was born in Rush City, to John M. and Agnes (Berntson) Johnson on June 10, 1922. He was a lifelong resident of Rushseba Township and attended Peers School through the eighth grade. He was baptized June 2, 1923 and then confirmed May 16, 1937 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Rush City.
Wendell ushered at church ten years, served on the church council and cemetery board. He was Rushseba Township supervisor for 27 years, caretaker of Rushseba Town Hall since 1985 and a member of North Chisago Historical Society for the past 20 years.
Wendell farmed at home until he married Margaret Heinrich on April 1, 1951. To this union five children were born. They farmed five years in the brickyard area, then moved north of Rush City on the Government Road where they farmed until they retired in 1983, but lived there until 1989 when they moved to a new home on five acres north of Rush City.
Even after he retired, Wendell enjoyed polka music and driving tractor for his kids whenever he could. He looked forward to going on annual farm tours across the United State and Canada for many years.
His greatest joy was to have his kids and grandkids crawl up on his lap after lunch, read them a story and rock them to sleep for their afternoon nap. As they grew, he was there to watch and enjoy their ballgames, programs and concerts.
Over the years they hosted numerous exchange students and 4-Herís from around the world. Everyone was welcome in their home whether someone came for a burning permit, the key to the town hall, or a dozen farm fresh eggs, Wendell always had time for a visit. His warm smile and gentle demeanor will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret, children: Paul (Karen) Johnson of Knoxville, Tenn., Susan (Randy) Mold of Rush City, Loretta (Randy) Stacy of Princeton, Minn., Nancy (Mark) Moulton and Peter (Peggy) Johnson, both of Rush City; grandchildren: Kevin and David Johnson, Eric, Angela and Jeffrey Mold, Alexander and Sarah Stacy, Andrew, Luke and Benjamin Moulton, Elise, Britta, Kayla, Zachariah and Isaac Johnson. He is also survived by brothers Vincent Johnson of Fergus Falls, Minn., Arnold (Joyce) Johnson of Rush City, sister-in-law Marcia Johnson of Pine City, Minn., sister-in-law Doris Johnson of Rush City, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Edgar and Willard.

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