Verner Emil Johnson was born September 6, 1925, in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Emil and Clara (Johnson) Johnson. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson. He grew up on a farm north of Benson near Swift Falls. Verner completed high school, then attended Gustavus Adolphus College and the Minneapolis School of Business. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. On October 15, 1949, Verner was united in marriage to Alfrieda Hegland at her parent's home. This union was blessed with two children and 55 years of marriage. Verner worked in Benson as a partner in the Haugen & Johnson Equipment dealership for over 30 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served on the building committee and church council. Verner also served on the board of directors at the First State Bank, was a member of the Benson Golf Club and Kiwanis. Among the things he enjoyed were golfing, hunting & fishing, farming, spectator sports, wintering in Arizona, and especially spending time with family at their lake cabin on Scandinavian Lake. He particularly cherished his time with his grandson and great grandchildren. Verner was called from this life on Sunday, March 28, 2010 at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. He attained the age of 84 years, 6 months and 22 days. Verner is survived by his daughters, Coleen (Tom) Swanson of New London and Cathy (Alan) Jahde of Morrison, CO; one grandchild, Christopher (Gina) Swanson; three great grandchildren: Nicole, Michel, and Benjamin; a sister, Alphild Johnson of Starbuck; and other relatives and friends. Preceding him in death were his wife Alfrieda in 2004; his parents, Emil and Clara; a brother Walter Johnson; and a brother-in-law, Jim Hegland.
