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Johnnie Johnson Obituary
Johnnie D. Johnson
Mar. 20, 1913- Apr. 28, 2011
He was born to Alfrida and Helmer Johnson on March 20, 1913 in Bryan Township, ND. He was the oldest of 11 children.
Johnnie grew up in North Dakota. After several trips to Washington State, with his brother Arnold in the early 1930's, he returned in 1937 and stayed. He worked on Ernie Thompson's farm in Marysville where he met and later married Ernie's niece, Vera Thompson. They married on August 30, 1940 in Everett, WA.
They purchased and cleared 20 acres in the East Sunnyside area where they farmed and raised four sons. Johnnie and Vera lived on the "farm" for nearly 50 years, gardening, raising chickens and a variety of other critters. During this time Johnnie worked at the Weyerhaeuser sulfite mill as a pipe fitter and painter. He retired from Weyerhaeuser in 1976. He then turned a hobby into a full-time affair repairing appliances or just about anything broken for people in and around the area.
His parents; sisters, Nina and Helen; brothers, Arnold, Lester, Hillard and Norris; and his wife of 50 years, Vera, preceded him in death.
Johnnie is survived by four sons, Don (Bobbi) of Yakima, Allen (Lynn) of Ashland, OR, Gail (Terry) of Marysville and Tim (Cindy) of Longview, WA; three brothers, Walter, Levi and Mencer; sister, Eleanor; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
As a teenager, Johnnie played the trumpet in the Binford, ND high school band. He also played the accordion at local barn dances. He played the accordion for most of his life as well as the drums and trumpet. He played in many dance bands and formed the Johnnie Johnson band, which played at the Everett Eagles, Normana Hall and many other venues. In later years he enjoyed entertaining at local senior centers and nursing homes, including Josephine Sunset Home.
We will always remember the tapping of his toe to a good polka and the lively sound of his accordion.
At Johnnie's request, there will be no services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Johnnie Johnson
3 Entries
May 9, 2011
Gail & Terry: You dad will be missed. I will always remember his accordian stories, especially the one in which he was taking lessons in Everett with a young accordian "wannabe" named "Stan Boreson". My condolences. Brian Hammer.
gail johnson
May 8, 2011
Bye Grandpa, I was always amazed how you used your talents to make people happy. I also wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you trying to save that Goldfinch I shot when I was young. I will always remember how sad you were and how that changed the way I looked at life over time. Thank you for the awesome drill press, and for always looking out for us and making us feel safe, even though we were a little afraid of you. I'm glad you are finally resting. I love you Gail Jr.
John Kronholm
May 8, 2011
Don: Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. You wont remember me, but my folks used to come over to your place in East Everett when you and I were young kids. Our dads would play their accordians together. In fact, I watched my first tv program at your home in the early fifties.
I am glad to see that your dad continued entertaining with his music talents.
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