Eugene Johnson

Eugene G. Johnson Eugene Gustaf Johnson, 88, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Valley Eldercare Center with his daughter and two of his closest friends by his side. Gene was born June 10, 1920, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Emil Lars Johnson and Hulda Olivia (Anderson) Johnson. He graduated from Minneapolis' Central High School in 1939 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota for two years. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served until 1946. Gene married Myrtle Larson on June 18, 1943. After his discharge from the service, Gene and Myrtle returned to Minneapolis. He began his career in credit management, working for Dayton's Department Store in Minneapolis, Husky Oil Company in Montana and Wyoming, and Grand Forks Clinic. Gene retired in 1986, after 30 years at the clinic. Gene was active in many professional, civic and service groups during his lifetime, including the International Consumer Credit Association, the Chamber of Commerce (Minneapolis), Kiwanis/Golden K, and the Elks Lodge. He was a lifetime member of the North Dakota Medical Group Management Association. Gene and Myrtle enjoyed many social activities, particularly if they involved music, dancing or playing cards. Gene also was an avid bowler and golfer. Both were active members of the First Presbyterian Church of Grand Forks for many years, singing in the choir and serving as ordained elders. Gene also served a term as the Clerk of Session. After Myrtle's death in 2002 from Alzheimer's, Gene became an active supporter of the Alzheimer's Association, helping many others dealing with that very difficult disease. Gene also was a very active presence at the Grand Forks Senior Citizens Center. Always ready with a cheery word and a friendly hug, he found many ways to keep busy there including serving as a van driver and calling Bingo. He was particularly proud of serving as a state-certified insurance counselor, in which he called upon his years of experience at the clinic to help other seniors. Gene is survived by his only child, daughter Carol and her husband Eric Wallace of Dayton, Ohio, grandchildren Blair and Sara Wallace, dear friend Colleen Olson as well as cousins, nephews and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his sister, Margaret Swanson and his niece, Janet Gianotti. An open house reception celebrating Gene's life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2008 at the Grand Forks Senior Citizens Center at 1:00PM. Any remembrances in Gene's name may be made to either the Grand Forks Senior Citizens Center or the Alzheimer's Association.