Allan C. Johnson

Allan C. Johnson was born on August 11, 1923 in East Rock Creek, MN to Carl A. and Anna V. (Tornquist) Johnson. He attended school through the 8th grade at District 13 School. Following school, Allan drove milk truck for Alfred Nelson every Sunday headed for the Rock Creek Creamery and later worked at Swift’s Packing Plant and at a dam in Hastings. He farmed with his parents until he was drafted on June 26, 1944 into the 7th Division Infantry and was sent to Camp Fannin, Texas. He then went on to Fort Ord in California, Fort Laughton in Seattle, Washington, the Hawaiian Islands, and the South Pacific (Leyte Island) to replace men who had already lost their lives. He was then shipped to Okinawa on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945. He moved on to police Korea and moved back to Camp McCoy in the United States on April 6, 1946. Ending his service career as a Staff Sergeant, he received 2 purple hearts, a good conduct medal, and a rifleman sharp shooter’s medal. While in the service, Allan suffered a hearing loss, but was fortunate to have made it home safe. Allan was very proud of country and family and felt compelled to do his patriotic duty. Shortly after Allan returned from the service, he met Doris Heyda at a dance at the Topic Ballroom in Pine City. On July 15, 1947 they were united in marriage. They were blessed with 3 children, Mary Ellen (John) Von Rueden, Dick (Sandy) Johnson, and Ruth Ann (Gary) Horns. As time progressed, they were also blessed with 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Doris and Allan operated a dairy farm for 20+ years. In 1965, Allan started doing carpentry work for McGough Construction. Doris and the kids did most of the milking for 2 years until they sold the cows in 1967. Allan retired and quit commuting to the cities in 1985. He belonged to the Carpenters’ Union for 45 years. In 2003, Doris and Allan moved to their present home in Pine City. Allan enjoyed his retirement doing some woodworking projects and helping the kids and grandkids. In August, 2013, a 90th birthday party open house was held at the Rock Creek City Center. His goal was to live to 90 and he was so proud to have met his goal. Allan resided at his home until April, 2014 when he entered the Lakeside Nursing Home due to his declining health. He peacefully slept away on June 12, 2014 with Doris at his side. He passed about 10 minutes after Doris arrived- we are sure he waited for her as they were together for almost 67 years. Our family chain is broken, nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the links shall join again. Rest in peace, Allan. You will be missed. He is survived by his wife Doris, daughters: Mary Ellen Von Rueden and her husband John Sr. of Hinckley, Ruth Ann Horns and her husband Gary of Coon Rapids; son Dick Johnson and his wife Sandy of Pine City, 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and sister Ruth Heyda and her husband Dick of Pine City. He is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Anna (Tornquist) Johnson, and sister Naime Harth. A funeral prayer service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16th at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City with Father Joseph Sirba officiating. A visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday evening at the funeral chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment with military honors in Birchwood Cemetery.