Eugene J. Johnson

Eugene J. Johnson of Wascott went to be with his Lord and Savior early Tuesday morning, July 26, 2011, at Essentia Health in Duluth.

Eugene was born Feb. 25, 1933, to Juno and Georgia (Wagner) Johnson in Superior. He grew up there graduating from East High School in 1951. He fell in love with Janet E. Drolsum, and they were married Dec. 5, 1952, in Carlton, Minn.

Eugene was a young, hard-working husband working many different jobs during their early years of marriage. He worked for Northern-Pacific Railroad, took tolls on the Arrowhead Bridge and started a bench business. Eventually he owned Gene’s Downtown Shell. He was part of a partnership that started the Sweden House and the Donut Shop. He started working for Sear’s at Belknap and Tower in 1969 and worked there until he retired. During retirement he enjoyed spending his time fixing any problem that occurred at the Sosure Car Wash.

Eugene built the homes he lived in. He designed and built the family home in East End, and when he and Janet retired to Leader Lake in Wascott, he designed and finished that home also. He enjoyed construction and helped build the current building of the Central Assembly of God, of which he is a member.

Some of Eugene’s interests included hunting, fishing, vacationing on the beaches of Florida, motor-homing to their children’s homes around the United States, and he loved to sit by any small bonfire both summer and winter.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George Johnson. He is survived by his wife of more than 58 years, Janet; sons Rodney (Dawn) of Boise, Idaho, Thomas (Jan) of Hollister, Mo., and Dennis (Lucinda) of Oakdale, Minn.; daughters, Cynthia (Gary) Jackson of River Falls, Wis., and Diane Winters (Jim K.) of Foxboro; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Down’s Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Funeral service will be held at Central Assembly of God, Superior, with the Rev. Tom Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 2:30 until the 4 p.m. funeral service Sunday, July 31. Burial will be in Oak Lake Cemetery in Kerrick, Minn.

Sign the online guest book or send condolences at www.downsfh.com.

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