Joanne Lindholm photo Jayna and Keith Huotari, local historians, are introduced by Sue Proudfit, Golden K chairperson. They gave a presentation on Oscar G. Johnson.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — Monday morning begins the week for the Golden K seniors.

Camaraderie spills over in excited chatter as they share weekend experiences. Sue Proudfit puts on her chairmanship cap and prepares the group for opening ceremonies. As customary, pianist Alyce Derwinski hands over the day’s musical selections to Lois Outcelt who uses charm and talent to lead the singing. Melodic voices soon roll out “The Piano Rolls Blues,” “Side by Side” and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.”

Guests Keith and Jayne Huotari are welcomed with song, as was Janice Santi, who will be celebrating her birthday. Sarah Gospodarek happily picked up winnings from the 50-50 drawing. Not to be outdone, Gary Proudfit shared Happy Dollar thoughts. Kathy Jo Anderson was happy to see her grandson play football for the Stevens Point Pointers and win. Ron Jouppi got a free ride to Lansing to visit his 98-year-old sister and Sharon Neubauer was happy to feel the love and friendship with the Golden Kers. How much better can one day be?

Have you noticed the sign along M-69 commemorating Oscar G. Johnson? How about the majestic building near downtown Iron Mountain known as the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center? A prominent place for veterans to find the services they need for physical, mental, long-term, and short-term health issues.

Keith and Jayne Huotari brought a PowerPoint program that highlighted the life of decorated veteran Oscar G. Johnson. It carried a message of thankfulness for the freedoms we enjoy and perhaps at times take for granted. Oftentimes we tend to overlook events that brought this country to where we are today. Men and women from all walks of life — sons, daughters, wives and husbands — made the ultimate sacrifice. Each one has a history and story to tell.

Oscar Godfrey Johnson Jr. grew up in the Foster City area and worked on his family’s dairy farm. He graduated in 1939 from Felch High School and turned down a scholarship to university to work on his family farm.

When the war began, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. The service took him from Michigan to Oregon, and eventually to Italy during World War II. Scarperia, Italy, was where he met his greatest challenge. It earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor, which hung from his uniform with many other medals, including the Purple Heart.

Back in the day, Foster City party lines were buzzing with the news.

Johnson was a humble man and simply told his family he had had a “busy afternoon.”

The Huotaris’ program detailed Johnson’s noble deeds, and papers across the country wrote of his heroism. It is a story that will hold you spellbound.

Johnson spent his final years in Kingsford and passed away in 1998. Anyone who knew Oscar G. Johnson will tell you he was a very humble man who never forgot his life in Foster City.

The Golden K will meet at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford, with guest speaker Jonathan Ringel. All are welcome.