Harold D. Johnson

Bigelow, MN Harold D. Johnson, age 89 of Bigelow, MN died Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at the Sibley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Sibley, IA. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 19th at the United Methodist Church in Sibley, with Rev. Shannon Pascual officiating. Burial will follow at Worthington City Cemetery in Worthington, MN. Visitation will be Sunday, January 18th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., with family present 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jurrens Funeral Home of Sibley. Harold D. Johnson was born March 19, 1925 in Sibley, Iowa to Matt and Gertie (Van Kley) Johnson. He was raised on a farm near Bigelow and graduated from Bigelow High School. On June 6th, 1946 he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Westby at the Bigelow Methodist Church. To this union 4 children were born. Harold and Mary Lou began their married lives in Bigelow where he co-owned the Texaco station with his brother until 1951. He and Mary Lou then began farming and milking cows, first in Fergus Falls, MN before moving to Fulda, MN, then Worthington, MN and finally to Bigelow, MN where they lived from 1967 until present. As Harold's health began to fail it became necessary for him to move to Sibley Nursing and Rehab which he did approximately a year ago. Harold enjoyed motorcycles and race cars. When they were young and dating Harold would take Mary Lou for motorcycle rides and on many occasions he would sing "You are my sunshine" to her as they went down the road. In November of 1995 Harold lost his wife of 49 years. He missed her greatly. After Mary Lou died, Harold decided to go back to something he enjoyed very much and that was racing. He enjoyed working on the cars getting them ready for the race but he loved the thrill of driving. He also enjoyed hunting and playing cards. This past Tuesday Harold passed away at Sibley Nursing and Rehab at the age of 89. He is survived by his children, LaCinda (Daryl) Swenhaugen of Westbrook, MN, Kelly (Beth Brown) Johnson of Columbus, MT, and Marty (Tammy Connor) Johnson of Bigelow, MN; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and other extended family members. Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Matt and Gertie Johnson; his wife, Mary Lou; son, Wayne; siblings, Vernon Johnson, Viola Tutje, Maynard Johnson; Vesta Larson and John Johnson. Blessed be his memory.