Milford Johnson

Milford Johnson, 91, formerly of Two Harbors, died Saturday, June 1, 2019 in California, where he had moved to be with a daughter after his wife, Monica’s death in 2018.

Milford was born February 17, 1928 to Milford Iver and Myrtle Dora (Sivertson) Johnson in Duluth, MN. As of one of the pioneer commercial fishing families on the North Shore, he grew up in Two Harbors and on Isle Royale. As a young man he ran fishing charters for the National Park Service, fished with his family and served in the Korean war as an MP in the Army. He married Monica Alice Wannebo on May 9, 1953 and together they made their home in Two Harbors.  Milford worked at Reserve Mining Co for more than 20 years. During that time, he fished out of Duluth.  After his retirement from Reserve Mining, he continued in the family business of commercial fishing in Duluth and Isle Royale as well as operating the MV Wenonah between Isle Royale and Grand Portage. Milford was one of the last commercial fishermen of Isle Royale.

Milford was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

He enjoyed commercial fishing on Lake Superior, visiting with family and friends and traveling.

Milford was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Art, Robert, Norman and Frank Johnson, and his wife, Monica.

He is survived by daughters, Tracey (Mark) Berge of Lewisville, TX, Terrie (Brian) Gressman of Evergreen, CO, Tammie (Roland) Decker of Fairfield, CA; a son, Todd (Kristi) Johnson of Joplin, MO; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth (Cynthia) Johnson; a sister, Mary (Ray) Owens; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled on August 17th,11:00 am  at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Two Harbors.  Following Mass, a celebration of life is planned at the Moose Lodge at 1 pm.