Willie Johnson

Willie Johnson, 76, of Oslo, MN, died on Sunday, April 18, 2021, in his home while on hospice, with his wife and family at his side.

William Theodore was born on October 19, 1944, in Warren, MN, to Theodore and Charlotte Johnson. He was raised in Alvarado, MN, and received his GED following his schooling there. On October 13, 1962, Willie was united in marriage to Colleen Kay Rud, in Melo Lutheran Church, south of Warren. They made their home in Alvarado before moving into Oslo in 1966.

A true 100% Swede, Willie was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Oslo, serving as a council member and president. Between his long employment at Valley Bean Association and his time on the Oslo Fire Department, Willie got to know almost everybody in the communities he served. He was passionate about sporting and started the local shooting club, Oslo Rod and Gun. For over 50 years, Willie shared his love of firearms and taught gun safety to countless youngsters.

Willie will be greatly missed by his family and will be remembered for his amazing ability to fix anything. From small appliances to automobiles, if it could be made to work again, Willie could do it!

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Colleen; children, Leah (Bruce) Hoeger of Menoken, ND, Denise Byrd of Cheyenne, WY, and Corey Johnson of Oslo; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and siblings, Arlys Nestor of Summersville, WV, Betty (Lawrence) Veralrud of Oslo, Carol Carpenter of Apple Valley, MN, and Margy (Wayne) Smith of Holt, MN.

Willie was preceded in death by his son, Travis, who passed away in 1995; his parents, Teddy and Charlotte; his in-laws, Charlie and Thelma Rud; and brother-in-law, Denny Moorhead.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Private family funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oslo, MN.

PUBLIC VISITATION: 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oslo, MN. Masks are required.

INTERMENT: Riverside Cemetery, Oslo, MN