Memorial services for Merrill Johnson will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 7 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Richland. Reverend Paul Andree will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 6 at Bonnerup-Friedrich Funeral Chapel in New Richland and again one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in St. Olaf Cemetery, rural New Richland.
Merrill Alton Johnson, of New Richland passed away on the morning of July 4, 2016 at New Richland Care Center. He was 65 years old.
Merrill was born on September 13, 1950 to Selmer and Ruth Johnson in Manchester, MN. Merrill attended Albert Lea Schools and then went to truck driving school. On July 9, 1973 Merrill married Gail Pederson and they made their home in New Richland. Merrill drove truck for many years for Kruegers and Huntington’s Auto, to name a few.
In Merrill’s free time, he enjoyed riding his motorcycles, watching NASCAR, driving his old ‘60 Pontiac and belonging to Memories Car Club. He treasured time with family, especially his grandchildren. Merrill will be remembered fondly by his family for his funny pranks over the years and sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife, Gail Johnson; daughters, Corrine (Scott) Schuller of New Richland and Kimberly (Justin) Schlaak of New Richland; five grandchildren, Hailey and Jacob Schuller and Kordell, Gabrielle, & Dakota Schlaak; siblings, Deloris (Orien) Loe, Darlene Hendrickson, Steven (Sandy) Johnson, Marlene (Red) Johansen, Gilbert (Mary) Johnson, Julie Telles, Paul (Josephine) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Joy Johnson, Wendy (Jule) Johnson, Lorna (Russell) Reistad; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Merrill was preceded in death by his parents, Selmer Johnson and Ruth & Paul Werner; brothers, Stanley, David, Dale, and John Johnson; and brother-in-law, Gerald Hendrickson.