Arne Johnson, age 81, of 814 Superior Avenue, died Wednesday afternoon May 14, 2008 at his home in Gladstone.

Arne was born June 7, 1926, in Felch, the son of Victor and Louise (Anderson) Johnson. Arne was later raised in Soo Hill and attended the Soo Hill Elementary School. Arne continued part of his high school years at the Escanaba Senior High School before moving to Gladstone where he completed his education at the Gladstone High School in 1944. Following high school, Arne accepted a position with the Soo Line Railroad, working in Sturgeon Bay, WI, for approximately six months, before transferring back to Gladstone where he worked for the Soo Line until his enlistment in the United States Army in 1945. Arne served in the United States Army from 1945 to 1946, at which time, he returned back to the Delta County area where he resumed his employment at the Soo Line Railroad. On July 19, 1947, Arne married the former Lois Harrison at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba and together the couple made their home and began their family in Gladstone. In 1960, Arne went on to acquire a position, as a painter, for the Harnischfeger Corporation, working for Harnischfeger, until his retirement in the early 1980’s. Arne was a member of the D.A.V and the American Legion Escanaba River Post #0115, in Flat Rock. Arne enjoyed watching NASCAR Racing, particularly, Jeff Gordon, refinishing the bodywork on cars, going to hunting camp, ice fishing, listening to vintage country music, taking trips to the casino with his wife Lois and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife of 60 years, Lois, Arne leaves to survive:

2 Sons: Jeff (Gerrilyn) Johnson of Gladstone, MI; Tim (Carrie) Johnson of Danforth, MI

2 Daughters: Linda (Jim Sargent) Johnson of Gladstone, MI; Vicki (Ed) Caswell of Brampton, MI

1 Brother: Jack (Virginia) Johnson of Gladstone, MI

11 Grandchildren: Jimmy (Sharon), Jenny, Angie (Jason), Amy, Kelly (Kyle) Casey, Sam, Kristy, Angel, Tyler and Cole

7 Great Grandchildren: Michael, Cody, Taylor, Lauren, Tina, Nicholas and Jenna

Also listed among the surviving family are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Arne was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Louise:

5 Brothers: Carl, Helmer and Everett Johnson and 2 infant brothers
 
The Johnson family will receive friends on Monday from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites honoring Arne’s service to his country will be conducted at 5:45PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home, by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71. Funeral services celebrating the life of Arne Johnson will follow military rites, at 6:00PM, at the Funeral Home, with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt of the First Lutheran Church officiating. Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion Hall. Committal services will be held on Tuesday, at 10:00AM, at the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are in care of the Johnson arrangements.