Arlyn Gene Johnson

Arlyn Johnson of Zumbrota died Friday June 4, 2021 at his home in Zumbrota. He was 87, and had been in declining health.

Arlyn Gene Johnson was born March 21, 1934 in Wanamingo Township, Goodhue County, the son of Arnold and Alma (Gjemse) Johnson. A graduate of Wanamingo High School with the Class of 1952, he then enlisted in the US Navy and served in the reserves until being honorably discharged in 1960. On December 28, 1955 at the Hauge Lutheran Church in Kenyon he married the love of his life Mardell Stave. Arlyn worked as a heavy equipment operator until 1960 when he purchased a farm, which he and his wife operated until moving to Zumbrota following retirement in 2013. A lifelong member of Aspelund Norwegian Lutheran Church, he was also a member of the American Legion.

Arlyn began a long passion for riding motorcycles in high school, and over the years his enthusiasm for Harley-Davidson motorcycles never waned. While farming, his tractor of choice was always John Deere, and he became a collector of of John Deere toy tractors and Harley-Davidson toy motorcycles.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mardell Johnson of Zumbrota; a brother Marvin Johnson who resides in Washington State; a nephew David (Jess) Johnson of Boston, Massachusetts; Goddaughter Joni (Tom) Gorman; sisters-in-law JoAnn Hoffman, Judy Ferguson, DiAnn (Lawrence) Johnson, Carol (LeRoy) Gjemse, Linda Durdahl, Vicki Otis, Phylis Johnson, and Debi Stave; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Laurie Marie Johnson and Donald Arlyn Johnson; and a brother in infancy Duwayne Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday June 9th at 2:00 PM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Aspelund, rural Wanamingo. The Reverend Lyle Aadahl will officiate. Vistation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial, with military honors, will occur in the church cemetery.