Verne Johanson

Verne Alden Johanson of Sun City, Arizona - formerly of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away on March 16, 2016 at the age of 93. A family graveside memorial service will be held at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton, Minnesota on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The family invites friends to visit with them at the Legion at 12:00 p.m. after the service. Honorary urn bearers will be Verne's brothers: Donald and Gary Johanson; Grandson Joel Swisher; son-in-law Ray Swisher and great grandson Mason Swisher

Verne was born to Algot and Hildur (Hammersten) in Wheaton, Minnesota on August 12, 1922. He grew up in Wheaton working at the Farmer's Store and graduating from Wheaton High School where he ran track and played football. He enlisted in the Army and served in the Signal Corps during World War II. Following his service, he went to Dunwoody Business School in Minneapolis. While attending school and driving back to Wheaton to visit his family, he renewed his acquaintance with Eunice Erickson, also of Wheaton. They married on May 18, 1951 at Gustavus Lutheran Church in Wheaton.

Verne worked for Sears Roebuck for 35 years and retired from the company as a long time employee. He worked as the Customer Service manager in Rockford, Illinois and in Columbus, Ohio.

Verne is survived by his wife Joyce Johanson( Washington) ; daughter Kristine (Ray) Swisher (Bellefontaine, Ohio) ; brothers Gary (Donna) Johanson of Sun City Arizona and Donald (Yvonne) Johanson (Wheaton, Minnesota) and sister Betty Lehman (Iowa) grandson Joel R. Swisher; step grandson Zachary (Amy) Swisher. Two great grandchildren Mason and Ella Swisher and three step-great grandchildren - Beth, Emma and Brayten Swisher (all Bellefontaine, Ohio) and several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents Algot and Hidur Johanson; wife : Eunice Johanson; Brothers Richard, Leslie and Owen Johanson and sons Steve Alden and Joel Arden Johanson.