Verlin Philip Johnson

Verlin Philip Johnson, age 80, of Milaca, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019 at St. Cloud Hospital after fighting a strong battle with ALS and a paralyzed diaphragm.  His wife, Audrey, never left his side.  Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 12 Noon at Milaca Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Tom Sahlstrom officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. 

Verlin was born at home on October 10, 1938 in Estes Brook, MN to Philip and Marie Johnson.  Growing up, he worked on the family dairy farm along with his brothers, Dale and Virgil and sister, Ardelle (Nicholson).  On November 24, 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Audrey (Erickson).  They raised four children together Rick, Sheldon, Sherry and Debbie.  Verlin retired from Land O’ Lakes in 2000, after 43 years of service.  He enjoyed driving semis so much that he continued working at numerous transport jobs after his retirement.  Verlin enjoyed spending time on his farm with his cows and working on his (and everybodys!) trucks and tractors.  Verlin and Audrey were very active members of the Milaca Evangelical Free Church.

Verlin is survived by and will be dearly missed by his wife of 62 years, Audrey;  children, Rick (Brenda), Sheldon (Cyndi), Sherry (Roger) Walsh and Debbie (Dave) Hackett;  brother, Virgil (Roxi);  brothers-in-law, Walt (Deanna) and Glen (Nancy);  sisters-in-law, Pearl, Shirley and Diane (Jerome);  grandchildren, Ricky (Guzel), Stephany (Mike), Tony, DesiRae (Brian), Darrell (Nicole), Gabe (Heidi) and Crystal;  great-grandchildren, Raeann, Aubrey, Griffin, Lucas, MarLee and Anton;  also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  Audrey’s parents, Ike and Ruby;  sister, Ardelle;  brother, Dale and brothers-in-law, Larry Nicholson and Dave Hubers.