Ivan Johnson age 73, of Tracy, MN died on June 29, 2018, at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy, MN.
Interment and Graveside Services will be at the Lamberton Cemetery in Lamberton, MN on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 2:00 PM
Afterwards friends and family will congregate at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at 805 Birch in Lamberton for a celebration of life in honor of Ivan.
Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Lamberton, Minnesota. On line condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Ivan Merlin Johnson was born on September 7th, 1944 in Tyler, MN, born to Ernest and Ella (Haase) Johnson. Growing up, he attended school in Russell, MN and graduated at the top of his class from Russell High School Class 1962. He later moved to Tracy, MN to be close to his Grandma Haase. Ivan honorably served in the National Guard from 1962-1970. There are many great stories from local residents who served with him. Ivan was a “lifelong” member of the American Legion. He enjoyed being active in their events. He was a member of The Eagles… until he wasn’t.
Ivan spent his entire life working for the Rail Road and retired from BNSF after 37 years. We will all miss the twinkle in Ivan’s eyes, his stories, his jokes, and his contagious laugh. He loved singing karaoke, listening to “The Oldies”, spending time with his friends, “toasting” and playing cards. He enjoyed reading and endless learning. Some of his favorite topics were Health and Science. He was passionate about vitamins, minerals and herbs. He was proud of his garden and fruit trees, especially his beloved Peach Tree. Annually, he would make homemade mustard with the habanero peppers he grew. He loved “the spice of life”, the hotter the better. His greatest pride, other than his family, was his Thunderbird. He has taken his ride Home and we will all miss him deeply.
He is survived by his children, Beth Anderson and Christopher (Katie) Rose; grandchildren – Brianna (Sgt Kyle Heydenburg) Melle, Isabella Rose, Sophia Rose, and Jett Wolf. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson- Adam Melle.
Memorials and donations can be made online by going to www.chandleriamproject.org or you can mail your donations to Chandler I AM Project, Chandler Presbyterian Church, 1900 S. Arrowhead Drive, Chandler, AZ 85286. . I AM stands for I Adam Melle, who lost his life to addiction. Grandson of Ivan Johnson. I AM Project offers treatment and support for those suffering Opioid Addiction.