Darrel R. Johnson

Darrel R. Johnson, 81, of La Crosse passed away on December 8, 2018 in his home at Eagle Crest South.  He was born on May 15, 1937 in La Crescent Minnesota to Henry and Helen (Husman) Johnson. He graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1956. In 1961, Darrel married Joyce Harem at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Pickwick, Minnesota and they enjoyed their 57 years together. They resided in Winona until 1997 when they moved to La Crescent. In 2014 they moved to La Crosse.

After completing his military obligation in the Army Reserves, Darrel pursued his education and graduated from Winona State University with a degree in business administration. In 1968, he became the Director of Finance for the City of Winona, where he worked until his retirement in 1995.

Darrel and Joyce were members of St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Winona for 35 years. Darrel was an active member of St. Matthews, serving on the church council for several years. He also served 6 years on the Luther High Board of Control and served many years representing St. Matthew’s on the Conference of Delegates at Luther High School. In 1982 he was appointed to St. Matthew’s Endowment Fund Committee and served as Treasurer until his retirement in 1995. After moving to La Crescent, they became members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crescent.

Darrel will be remembered for his devotion to his family and his ability to strike up a conversation with anybody. He loved to travel and go camping. His dream was to spend winters in Florida after retirement and was able to live that dream for 12 years.

In addition to his wife, Joyce of La Crosse, he is survived by his children; Sherri (Harvey) Stever of La Crescent and Scott (Lisa Harlos) Johnson of Byron, Minnesota; 5 grandchildren, Ryan (Kayla) Stever, Shannon (Jacob) Manning, and Tyler (Maria Gehling) Johnson, Karlee (Calvin) Dinsdale, and Mitaya (Mark Krings) Johnson; and 2 great grandchildren, Anson Stever and Audrey Manning.  Also surviving are four brothers, Don (Pauline) of Holmen, Dennis (Betty) of Ridgeway, Dean (Denise) and Dwayne (Margaret) both of La Crescent. Many nieces, nephews, and friends also survive him. His parents, and many aunts and uncles preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 14 ^th at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 414 Main Street, La Crescent, MN. Pastor Chris Christenson will officiate. Friends may call on the family during a visitation from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday December 13 ^th at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home, 111 S Oak St. La Crescent, MN. and Friday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to First Ev. Lutheran Church in La Crescent, Gundersen Medical Foundation, or Pickwick Cemetery in Darrel’s name.

Darrel’s family would like to thank the staff of Eagle Crest South and Gundersen Hospice for the care he has received over the last few weeks. And special thanks to Pastor Christenson for all his visits and prayers.