Nobert Charles Johnson

Norbert Charles Johnson

November 18, 1928 - November 15, 2018

ST. ANSGAR - Norbert Charles Johnson, age 89, of St. Ansgar, died Thursday, November 15, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society – St. Ansgar.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 24, 2018, at the First Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar with Pastor Christopher B. Staley officiating. Inurnment will be in the Rock Creek Cemetery, Osage, with military honors at the grave by Walter T. Enneberg American Legion Post 358 of St. Ansgar. A gathering of family and friends will be 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the First Lutheran Parish Center in St. Ansgar.

Norbert was born November 18, 1928, the son of Herbert and Frances (Schmidt) Johnson, on the family farm southwest of Osage in the area known as Rock Creek or Meroa. He attended Cedar #7 school and graduated from Osage High School in 1946. Norbert worked at a local garage, learning gasoline engine mechanics and then three years on a carpenter crew in Mitchell County that included two winters in Houston. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952. Upon his discharge he married Grace Sorlien on December 20, 1952. Norbert started farming in northern Floyd County in 1953, and in 1958, moved to a farm outside of St. Ansgar. On the farm, cattle and pigs were raised, and two other local farms were rented. He retired from farming in 1993, and moved to a home in St. Ansgar. Norbert held leadership positions in the St. Ansgar First Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Riverside Bible Camp and the local 4-H club. He served on committees for building the American Legion building in St. Ansgar and obtaining services for Mitchell County Veterans. Over his life, he enjoyed playing cribbage, woodworking, bowling, golf and family gatherings.

Norbert is survived by his wife, Grace Johnson of St. Ansgar; three sons, David (Mary Jo) Johnson of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Gary Johnson of Houston, Texas, Marc (Becky) Johnson of Ankeny; daughter, Linda Johnson of Baltimore, Maryland; three granddaughters, Amy (Hunter) Neblett, Jill (Brian) Clennon and Holly (Andrew) Nixt; six great-grandchildren, Caroline Neblett, Parker Clennon, Brayden, Landon, Carson and Harrison Nixt; and two brothers, Merrill (Muriel) Johnson and Dean Johnson both of rural Osage.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin; and son, Eric.

Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home 641-732-3706 www.champion-bucheitfuneralhome.com