Rodger Johnson
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Funeral services for Rodger Carl Johnson, 85, Lawrence will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 20, 2010 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in St. James, Minnesota. He died September 15, 2010 at his home.
He was born January 11, 1925 in Duluth, Minnesota the son of Oscar and Adele (Youngquist) Johnson.
He graduated with a BS from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and received his Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Chicago.
He served his country in the Army during World War II and later served in the US Occupation Forces for two years in Korea.
Mr. Johnson served as the Assistant Hospital Administrator for Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. He then became the Hospital Administrator for Lawrence Memorial Hospital from 1959-1969. He also served as Hospital Administrator for Rose Medical Center in Denver, Colorado before returning to retire in Lawrence in 1985.
He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as a board member, Sunday school teacher and served on other church committees. He volunteered with SHICK and LINK organizations and was a Master Gardener.
Rodger married Marcia Anderson on July 12, 1952 in St. James, Minnesota. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include two daughters, Khristine Lee and husband, Mike of Lawrence, Laurel Olson and husband, Timothy of Edina, MN; two sons, Timothy Johnson and wife, Kathleen of Denver, CO, Brian Johnson and wife, Jacqueline of Clarkston, WA; ten grandchildren, Scott Lee, Amy Green, Craig Lee, Todd Lee, Ryan Lee, Cecily Johnson, Erik Olson, Peter Olson, Whitney Johnson, and Ben Johnson; five great-grandchildren, Alora Lee, Evelyn Lee, Miriam Lee, Hailey Green, and Lance Lee; one nephew, Craig Kittelson and wife Gail; one niece, Debra Golucke and husband Gary; also many cousins whom reside in Sweden.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.
Rodger enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, the Minnesota woods, birds and nature.
The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, September 19, 2010 at Warrren-McElwain Mortuary.
The family suggests memorials in his name to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lawrence Memorial Hospital or to the Charity of the Donor’s Choice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
I am very sad to hear of Rodger’s passing. I knew him through our work at the SHICK Call Center and admired his dedication to this volunteer effort as well as his knowledge of healthcare from his background. He was a kind and gentle man and will be much missed by many.
My sincere condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I have many fond memories of Mr. Johnson and am very lucky to have knowm him and his family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of all of you today. Much love,
Rebecca Askew
On behalf of everyone at LMH go our thoughts and prayers to Roger’s family. He is a big part of the LMH history and will be missed.
Dear Johnson Family,
I just wanted tell you how nice Rodger’s service was yesterday. Homer and Sylvia and all of us kids always held Rodger and the whole Johnson family in the highest regard. God Bless all of you.
Barry Frank
I worked with Mr. Johnson from 1964 to 1969. He was a good administrator and admired by his employees. My best to his family.