KARL W. JOHNSON

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KARL W. JOHNSON Peacefully on May 18, 2011 in his 90th year. Husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, friend. Karl was born January 14, 1921 in Whitemouth, Manitoba to Jalmar and Astrid, the youngest of five children. He was predeceased by them all. He is survived by Audrey (nee Fletcher), his loving wife of almost 70 years. Also by his children Marlene Balzar, Russell Johnson (Ruth), Leona Drzystek (John) and Earl Johnson. Grandchildren Leona Stahl, Ricky Dingley, Maureen Miller, Jeff Johnson (Shanna), Candace Smith (Gene), Wade Drzystek (Brooke), Karli Drzystek (Jeremy Earnshaw), Kale, Drew and Tanner Johnson, Brooke Turnbull. Great-grandchildren Meigan Stahl, Anika and Morgan Miller, Chase and Chandler Johnson, Kylie Smith, Odin and Ryder Drzystek, Alexis Oliver and great-great-granddaughter Elizabeth Howes. At an early age the family lived for a short period of time in Sioux Lookout, ON before returning to the farm in Whitemouth. At age 12 years he met the woman of his dreams Audrey Fletcher. They were constant companions. In his teens, Dad worked the mines in Red Lake ON, saving enough money to marry Mom on August 29, 1941. Newly married he was called to war enlisting May 20, 1942 attached to the RCA 42nd battery Fort Garry Horse Artillery. Just prior to the end of the Second World War he joined American Forces in Fort Sill, Oklahoma for joint training and a return overseas. The war ended before they were deployed. Sergeant K. W. Johnson H69854 discharged February 18, 1946 having seen action on the Aleutian Islands and Kiska. Home safe from the war Karl returned to farming and began raising his family. Life on the farm proved difficult and the family moved to Winnipeg where Karl gained employment at the Winnipeg Supply Co. as a serviceman. In 1960 he started with Winnipeg School Division No.1 in the same field. He remained there until his retirement in 1986. In 1968 Karl and Audrey moved to the farm in Sanford. He remained there until his passing. His retirement years he spent motoring with mom throughout the United States spending time in Las Vegas, California and Texas. He was a gourmet cook on a tailgate. Karl was an avid hunter most of his life. Whether with the gang for whitetail, cruising the roads in the Sandilands for partridge with his grandchildren or his wife or target shooting at the gravel pits. Dad shot with remarkable accuracy and success until his 89th year. He will be sorely missed and always remembered. Dad loved his kids . On a daily basis he would stop to scan one of the many photos lining the walls, buffet and tables, smiling and making a comment about one of his kids . The legacy to his life. No service is planned, there will be a family gathering at a later date. Special thanks to Dr. Lee Cummings for his care through the years, the Morris-MacDonald Ambulance Service and Wheeler Funeral Chapel for their caring and professional conduct through this difficult time. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Siloam Mission or the Winnipeg Humane Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 28, 2011