Harley A. Johnson

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, September 5, 1926
Date of Death:
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Age:
87 years old

Visitation

Date: Wednesday October 02, 2013
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Celebration of Life

Date: Wednesday October 02, 2013
Time: 11:00 am

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Oakwood Cemetery

Additional Burial Information

Burial of ashes will be private.  Military Honors are provided by the American Legion Post 92.

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Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, September 5, 1926
Date of Death:
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Age:
87 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Sunday, September 5, 1926
Date of Death:
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Age:
87 years old

Harley A. Johnson

     Harley Arden Johnson passed away peacefully at his home Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, surrounded by loving wife and family.
     Harley was born in Arco, MN on September 5th, 1926 to Andrew and Lena Johnson.  He grew up on the family farm with 3 sisters. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he proudly served as a Seabee in Guam.   Harley married the love of his life Emily J. Nielsen on Sept. 8th, 1949.  He was extremely proud of the 64 years they spend together.  They moved to Rochester in 1951 where he began his career as a Heavy Equipment Operator for Leon Joyce Construction Company until his retirement.  He was a proud member of the 49’s Union.
     He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and of the American Legion Post #92 since first coming to Rochester. Harley enjoyed camping, fishing, snowmobiling, traveling and anything that included spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family.
     Harley had quite a “Bucket List” of reasons to continue his fight; the birth of his 1st great-granddaughter, Ruby Lynn on May 22nd, a wonderful reunion visit with his granddaughter and 2 great-grandsons in August, His own 87th birthday party with his family on Sept. 5th, he and Emily’s 64th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 8th and Ruby’s baptism in his driveway (specifically so he could attend)on Sept. 22nd.  The only thing that he missed on his list was the birth of a great-grandson in February 2014.  He just got too tired and couldn’t wait that long.
     He is survived by his loving wife Emily,  2 children Gregory (Luann) Johnson and Lori (Von) Sheridan both of Rochester; grandchildren Melissa (Dan Quesnel) Gulf Breeze FL, Gina (Richard Kern) Viola MN, Emily of Rochester, A.J. (Whitney Starkey) White Bear Lake MN, Caitlyn (Nate Burdick) Rochester; great-grandchildren Zander Cunningham, Ryan Quesnel, Ruby Kern and Baby Boy Burdick (due in February); one sister Joan (Alfred) Lundberg.
     He was proceeded in death by his parents, 2 sisters Geneva (Glen) Rasmussen and Majel Marcellus, parents-in-law Theodore and Pearl Nielsen, sister-in-law Darlene Thomsen.
     A Celebration of Life is planned for Harley in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Wednesday, Oct 2nd 2013.  Visitation will be held at 10:00 am and Service will begin at 11:00 am.  Officiated by Pastor Warren Anderson.
     A private burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery, Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post #92.
     Many thanks to all the wonderful staff at Mayo Hospice for all of their special care, thoughtfulness and friendship.
     Memorials are preferred to Mayo Hospice.

Condolences

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The family of Harley A. Johnson has received the following condolences.

Lori and family,

Just found out today from a facebook post of Holly's that your dear Dad passed.  Then when I searched I found the service was Wednesday and here it is Friday.  I would of come.  So sorry.  God bless, I will pray for all.  Hang in there.   Love,   Janet 

-- Janet Curry Orke
Added on October 4, 2013

I remember knowing Harley when I was a little girl and listening to my dad, Jim Joyce, tell about him. Harley was always reliable and  was always available for my dad when he was lining up the work for the week with Leon Joyce Construction.  The name Harley Johnson was always a part of our family. My dad and Harley are now discussing the past construction projects and all the roads they built together. You are so lucky to have had him till the age of 87.  Jim passed away in 1990 at the age of 65 years old. We still miss him. Find solace in his good life and him being a good person.

Sincerely,

Roberta Joyce Kurth

-- Roerta Joyce Kurth
Added on October 2, 2013

Emily and Family- so sorry to hear of Harley's death. Thoughts and prayers to all of you. We have memories of a great man with a great sense of humor. Always smiling. What an angel he is going to make. And so many little ones to watch over.

-- Leon And Linda Thomsen
Added on October 2, 2013

I am very blessed to have gotten to know Harley and Emily in the past few years. Just talking with Harley as little as I did I could see what a great man he was. He will be missed by many.

-- Melissa Lundberg
Added on October 1, 2013

Harley will be missed by everyone who knew him. Always a smile on his face, a great giggle and a twinkle in his eye. We had so much fun spending time in the summer visiting Harley, Emily and cousins in Rochester. The farm kids in the big city! Thinking about all of you - keep those memories close to your heart. I know I will.

-- Kathy Wilmes
Added on October 1, 2013

So sorry to hear of the passing of Harley.  He will be remembered as a fantastic uncle who always made me feel welcome and had a smile on his face.  What a great life he lived!  Blessed be his memory.

Karen

-- Karen Toft
Added on September 30, 2013