Roger Johnson

Roger Johnson, age 77, of rural Fosston, MN, passed away on Monday (October 21st) at Essentia Hospital in Fosston. A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. service and time of remembrance on Friday (October 25th) at the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home in Fosston. Flag presentation will be provided by the National Guard Honors Team. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com.Roger Wayne Johnson was born on November 12, 1935 in Fosston, Minnesota to parents James William and Hilda (Gudvangen) Johnson. He grew up in Queen Township on the farm that his grandfather homesteaded. He attended the Lade country school through the eighth grade and then graduated from Fosston High School in 1953. While he was in high school, Roger played basketball, football and baseball.He entered the United States Army in July of 1955 and was stationed in Fort Hamilton, New York. He received his honorable discharge in July of 1957. After his time in the military, he began work on the ore boats out of Duluth. He was united in marriage to Gwendolyn Naas on January 26, 1963. Together, Roger and Gwen lived and raised their family in Crookston. Roger worked for the Polk County Highway Department from September 1, 1966 until his retirement on January 28, 1994. At that time, he returned home to his roots in Queen Township. Roger was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed all sports, especially the Vikings, Twins and Gophers. He also enjoyed driving around the countryside looking for deer. Most of all, Roger treasured his family. His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will all miss him dearly. Roger passed away on Monday, October 21, 2013 at Essentia Hospital in Fosston with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 77 years.Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Gwen of Fosston; four children, Eileen (Louis) Obot of Omro, WI, Denise (Robert) Staehnke of Crookston, Kevin (Michelle) Johnson of Baxter, MN, and Keith Johnson of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Matthew (Emilee) Staehnke, Ben Staehnke, Tommy (Beth) Staehnke, Trevor Staehnke, Landon Staehnke, Max Staehnke, Kyle Johnson, Katie Johnson, Daniel Obot, Justin Obot, and Amanda Obot; and two great granddaughters, Adley and Clara Staehnke.He is also survived by four siblings, Betty Hoff, Marilyn Stephen, Arnold (Sandy) Johnson, and Clarence Johnson; sister-in-law, Nora Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Wendell Johnson.Honorary Pallbearers will be John Juvrud, Robert Carlstrom, Ivan Fisher, Kurt Slettvedt, Bill Turk, Eddie Desrosier, Jim Cormican, John Handyside, and Bill Malwitz.