Freeman Johnson

Freeman Francis Johnson, 73, of Prairie Island, died Monday, June 20, 2011 at his residence. He was born April 12, 1938 in Pipestone, MN, the son of Clara V. Johnson and was raised on Prairie Island. He served in the U. S. Army 1955 - 1958 and returned to Prairie Island. He married Dorothy Golden on October 31, 1957 in Lawton, OK. He furthered his education, obtaining an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Degree and worked for Sylvander Heating for a short time before moving to Florida in 1972. He returned to Prairie Island in 1994 and he was active on the Prairie Island Tribal Council, serving as President, Vice-President and, later as Tribal Administrator. Freeman loved being with his family, he was an avid fisherman and hunter, and he loved playing Euchre.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; three sons: Chet (Vickie) of Malabar, FL, Ron (Kathy) of Winter Haven, FL and Scott (Kelli) of Park Rapids, MN; ten grandchildren: Ryann Blodgett, Hannah Johnson, Jordan Thomas, Jessica Watson, Sheldy Johnson, Ashlyn Mogen, Shania Johnson, Jarrett Johnson, Chayton Johnson and Chase Johnson; one great-grandchild: Cayman Blodgett; four siblings: Richard Buck, Harold Buck, Lucy Gelhar and Delores Squirrelcoat; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Buck; his step-father, Edwin Buck, Sr.; one brother, Edwin Buck, Jr.; and other relatives.

Funeral service will be 1 p. m. Thursday, June 23, 2011 at Prairie Island Community Center with Reverend Johnson Loud officiating. Military honors provided by the American Legion Leo C. Peterson Post #54. Pallbearers will be Edward Buck, Richard Eugene Buck, Willie Benway, Jr., Travis Benway, Dexter Benway and Edwin W. Buck. Honorary pallbearers will be Pat Kelly, Loren Born, Ken Walsh, Everett Smith and Richard and Harold Buck. Visitation will begin at 1 p. m. Wednesday, June 22, 2011 and continue until the time of the service at the Community Center. Arrangements are by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.