Paul Johnson

Paul Edward Johnson was born December 13, 1925 in Duluth, Mn. to Matt and Pauline Johnson.   He was the youngest of six children who all preceded him in death. They were Margaret (Joyce) Ranum, Mable (Paul) Stoltz, Merel Johnson, Tumsey (Mildred) Johnson and Ted (Hannah) Johnson.

Paul graduated from Cook County High School and spent a short time at Luther College before being drafted into the army.   He served in WWII in the Pacific, with one year in Tokyo in the General Headquarters (GHQ) of occupied Japan.

When he returned to Grand Marais he said he never wanted to live anywhere but the North Shore.   He worked for the city of Grand Marais for a year before joining the family grocery business.   He always felt it a privilege to work with his brothers. They took responsibility to provide Grand Marais enough lutefisk for Christmas, turkeys for Thanksgiving and watermelon for the 4th of July.

Paul carried out groceries to a new teacher in town named Ethel Kragnes from Bagley, Mn. She became his bride on June 18, 1952.

Paul and Ethel had four children, Susan (Joe) Holtz, Mark (Robin) Johnson, Bruce (Rosie) Johnson and Teresa Hanson.   He enjoyed six grandchildren, Britta (Blake) Durtsche, Maren (Benjamin) Telsey, Holly (Tristan) Beaster, Megan (Trevor) Johnson-Saylor, Paul Johnson, and Tarin Hanson. How they loved their silly grandpa.

In 1985 Paul retired and at that time, his son Mark joined cousin Jim Johnson and friend Ralph Larson in business. He was proud that Mark and wife Robin now own and operate Johnson’s Foods.

Paul enjoyed serving his community. He was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.   He started singing in the choir when his mother was the director, and continued until late in his life. Paul was a Lion, volunteer fireman, a charter member of the curling club and was a participant in building and maintaining the Sawtooth Ski Hill. He enjoyed the short time he was a ski instructor.

Paul loved going to the cabin, fishing, Lake Superior boating, cutting wood, wood working, making toys for his grandchildren, golfing and winter months in sunny Tucson.  Paul was happiest when he was surrounded by friends and family.

Services will be held at 2 PM Tuesday March 18, 2014 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Burial with military honors will take place in the spring at Poplar Grove Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.