Knute Harold Johnson

JOHNSON, Knute Harold
Born to Lasse Overaas and Bertha Flate Overaas in Ely, Nevada, on November 26, 1911. Died peacefully at home on May 29, 2004, after a long bout with prostate cancer and Alzheimer's. At age 2, he moved to Norway and at age 18 moved back to Nevada and completed high school in Austin. (The family name of Overaas was changed to Johnson, as was the tradition when emigrating to the United States). He then transferred to the University of Nevada in Reno and graduated with a BS in civil engineering. He went into the army in 1942 and served in the Quartermaster Division. While stationed in Kansas City, he met his future wife of 58 years, Edna Samples Johnson. Also survived by his sons, Stan (Holly) and Les (Maureen), and daughter Norma Zamzow. His grandchildren, Tyler and Ariana Johnson and Travis Brown miss him. Also survived by one sister in Norway, Annie Aasen, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and the family of his late close cousin Annie Elliot in Nevada. He was an active member of Sons of Norway and Lutheran Church of the Master for 44 years until his health failed. He loved his job as a bridge designer for the old Division of State Highways, California State Department of Transportation (1946-1974). "Pops"' corny sense of humor ("When you come upon a fork in the road, pick it up and take it.") and his accordion playing and humility are already sorely missed. Tally ho, Pops. I Viewing will be held at Andrews and Grelich Funeral Home on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial service to be held at Lutheran Church of the Master, 1900 Potrero Way on Friday, June 4 at 12:00 noon with reception to follow. 1n lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Master, Sutter Hospice, or to the charity of the donor's choice.