Alvin W. Johnson

Alvin W. Johnson, son of James and Stena (Andersen) Johnson, was born March 1, 1913, at home in Jackson Township, Shelby County, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in the Poplar Church west of Kimballton and attended rural school in the area. Alvin was united in marriage with Esther Sorensen on November 29, 1933. One son, Raymond, was born to this union. After his marriage Alvin worked on a farm and at a service station in Harlan until the couple moved to Kimballton in 1937. Alvin and his brother Chester owned and operated Johnson Bros. Implement, an Allis Chalmers dealership, in Kimballton for 44 years. In 1978 he sold the business and retired. Through the years Alvin was a significant supporter and benefactor of the town of Kimballton. He and Esther enjoyed traveling, especially to the Scandinavian countries. Alvin enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman, making many trips to Minnesota and Canada. He and his son and grandson owned and operated Misaw Lake Lodge in Canada for several years. Esther passed away August 29, 1980 soon after returning from a trip to Denmark. Alvin continued to live in the home that they had built in 1950. He continued to travel and it was on a trip to Australia that he met Marj Chambers. They formed a lasting friendship. In 2004 Alvin became a resident of the Exira Care Center in Exira, Iowa. He died there on Saturday night, December 12, 2009, at the age of 96 years, 9 months and 11 days. Alvin is preceded in death by his parents; wife Esther Johnson; son Ray in 1999; granddaughter Renee Tucker in 1988; brothers Raymond Johnson and Chester Johnson (Gladys); and sisters Rose (Horace) Petersen and Lily (Victor) Rasmussen. He is survived by his grandchildren Dr. Randy Johnson (Chris) of Scottsdale, AZ, and Michelle Schultz of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; five great grandchildren: Cameron, Malia and Carly Johnson of AZ; Lindsay Johnson of Surrey, B.C., Canada; and Nathan Bulicek of CA; great great grandson Reagan Cain of Canada; special friend Marj Chambers of Hamlin; daughter-in-law Verlee Johnson of Atlantic; sister-in-law Nina Walters of Anita and brother-in-law Eddie Holdsworth of Arcadia; nieces and nephews and a host of friends.