Alton Johnson

Alton A. Johnson, age 86, a life long resident and business owner of Owatonna, died on Saturday, January 23, 2016, peacefully, surrounded by his family, following an extended illness.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna with Fr. Michael Cronin, officiating. Interment will be held at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Owatonna with military honors provided by the Steele County Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to the Homestead Hospice House of Owatonna or to a charity of the donor's choice in memory of Alton.

Arrangements are being completed by the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

Alton, twin brother of John James Johnson, the son of James "Peter" and Anna (Larson) Johnson, was born on April 13, 1929 in Bathe Township, Freeborn County. Alton attended Berlin Country School and graduated the 8th grade with honors. He told us he had one good teacher for 31 students and he felt this made him a successful businessman throughout his life. After the death of his parents at a young age he helped on the family farm. Alton was drafted into the U.S. Army right off the farm and served for 2 years during the Korean War as a Corporal. Before leaving for Korea, Alton was united in marriage to Lorraine Marie LaFrance, his one and only love, on August 2, 1951 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. Together they had 5 children and worked side by side. Lorraine preceded him in death on October 15, 2007. After returning from Korea, Alton hauled milk for Strohschein Creamery. He later began working for Clarence (C.E.) Ochs and he taught him how to install RUSCO windows and doors. Alton later bought the RUSCO franchise and in his words, "Set the world on fire". Alton and his wife Lorraine continued on in their business endeavors and purchased Johnson Sporting Goods in Owatonna and later invested in rental property in Owatonna and St. Paul, MN. Alton continued with his investment properties until his death.

Alton was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a member of the Owatonna Knights of Columbus Council #945, The Owatonna Aerie 1791 Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 77 and VFW Post 3723 in Owatonna. Alton enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling, discussing politics, dancing and listening to Polka music. Alton and Lorraine were enthusiastic travelers, exploring everywhere with their motorhome and motorcycle. He was so proud of his Honda motorcycle and motorhomes. Alton had a love for life and loved to talk with people.

Alton is survived by five children, Allen (Amy) Johnson of Lisbon, ND, Dennis (Susan) Johnson of Owatonna, Julie Khalilzadegan of Las Vegas, NV, John (Theresa) Johnson of Waterville, MN and Debbie (Craig) Johnson of Lakeville, MN; by 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; by three sisters, Marion Utpadel, Luella Anderson and Donna Horecka; by 2 sisters-in-law, Lenore Johnson and Martha Johnson and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, by three brothers, twin brother John, Robert and Kenneth (Ruby) Johnson, by his sister, Jeanette (Raymond) Peterson and by four brothers-in-law, Glen Anderson, Robert Horecka, Anton Olson and George Utpadel.