Alden Johnson

Alden Johnson, 91, Red Wing, died Sunday at Fairview Red Wing Medical Center. He was born September 11, 1915 in Halma, MN, the son of Chris A. and Gjertine (Norheim) Johnson. At the age of 14 Alden saved family members from a burning car and following the events of September 11, 2001 was recognized in the Congressional Record for heroism paralleling the World Trade Center rescuers. He finished his last year of high school at the University of Minnesota Agriculture College in Crookston. Alden went on to get additional education in accounting, estimating and building. He served in the U. S. Army during World War II, from 1941-1945, being stationed in London on the English Channel as a Staff Sergeant. He also studied military law. He married Adeline Erickson on June 22, 1946 in Thief River Falls, Minn. Adeline died May 3, 1985 They moved to Red Wing in 1946, where he managed Gipson Lumber Co., helping Red Wing build both Birchwood and Sunnyside areas after World War II. He later became Vice President of Gipson Lumber Co. After retiring he did accounting work at Local Oil in Hastings, finally retiring in 1996. He was a member of United Lutheran Church, the Red Wing Masons where he received the Hiram Award and a 50 year pin. Alden was also a member of the Osmon Temple, Zurah Shrine. He enjoyed golf, listening to jazz music, spending time with friends and his cats and driving around Lake Pepin, while eating ice cream. Survivors include one son, Steve Johnson of Red Wing; one sister, Mildred Peterson of Brooklyn Park, Minn; one sister-in-law, Vivian Johnson of Monteree, Calif.; his loving care-giver, Ellen Schuh of River Falls, Wisc; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Adeline; one sister, Evelyn Stellnar and one brother, Raymond Johnson. Funeral will be 11 a. m. Thursday at United Lutheran Church with Reverend Randall Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 5-7 p. m. Wednesday at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel with a Masonic Prayer Service at 7 p.m. and on Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the church.