Melvin Johnson

Melvin Bertill Johnson, age 98, of Ellsworth, Wis., passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 9, 2024. Born on April 16, 1926, to Herbert and Minnie Johnson, Melvin lived a life marked by faith and a deep love for his family.

Melvin grew up on a farm, attending rural Pool School before graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1945. After graduation, he worked for six years at the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery. In 1951, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. He served for four years and was honorably discharged in 1955.

On October 6, 1956, Melvin married Dorothy Hanson at the Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Esdaile, Wisconsin. Together, they raised their family on a 40-acre hobby farm near Moville in Trenton Township. Melvin had a love for farming and life in the country. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and deer hunting with his family. Melvin and Dorothy cherished their memories of their travels after their retirement. He had a great sense of humor. Mel loved visiting with family and friends with a cup of coffee and any of Dorothy's homemade treats. He was a dedicated fan of all his children and grandchildren's activities. 

Melvin worked for 34 years at 3M in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, before retiring. He also served for nine years on the board of directors for the Hager City Telephone Company. He mowed Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, Minn. for 6 seasons. Throughout his life, Melvin was a faithful and active member of Bethel Covenant Church, where he was involved in many aspects of church life and was known for his kindness, and commitment to his Christian faith.

Melvin's legacy of faith, love, and service to others will continue to live on through his family, church, and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his life of dedication and devotion will remain a lasting inspiration to all.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy; his daughter Debbie (Dennis) Olson; his sons Steve (Valerie), Scott (Lauri), Sheldon (Laura), and Mike (Kari); 11 grandchildren, Kyle, Kristin, Derek, Karl, Mattie, Anna, Nathan, Reid, Mitchell, Brett, and Breanne; and 14 great-grandchildren, Landon, Blake, Emaleigh, Auburn, Emmitt, Miriam, Jack, Caspian, Ingrid, Henrik, Addalyn, Kaelyn, Jordie, and Myles; and his brother, Floyd Johnson. Melvin is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Minnie Johnson; his brothers Russell (Elenor) Johnson and Clifford (Joan) Johnson; his sisters and brothers-in-law Florence (Raynold) Peterson, Joyce (Raymond) Schmastig, and Rosella Johnson; and his daughter Darla Jean

Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 15, 2024 at Bethel Covent Church with Rev. Joel Osterlund officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at church. Interment in Bethel Covent Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Bethel Covenant Church playground fund. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com