Melvin G. Johnson

Melvin was born Sept. 12, 1931, in Sagola, son of Elmer and Senia (Palomaki) Johnson. On June 21, 1952, Melvin married Elaine Christianson in Iron Mountain. They then lived at the family farm located west of Sagola until 1958, when they moved to a farm on County Line Road in Sagola Township.

Then in 1962, they moved to their current home in Mansfield Township. Along with his father, Melvin grew potatoes; then in 1969, he took over the entire operation. Until his death, he worked alongside his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine preceded him in death in April of this year.

A life-long resident of the area, Melvin was a member and former President of the Iron Range Farm Bureau, the Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) and Potatoes USA. He was a former member of the Mansfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals and numerous other Mansfield Township boards. He was named Farmer of the Year in both Iron and Dickinson Counties. He and Elaine loved to Polka and were members of the Raja Rhyma Finnish-American Society in Iron Mountain. Melvin also was a member of United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls. He loved to be in the outdoors and was an avid deer hunter.

Melvin is survived by his daughter, Marsha (Roy) Wainio of Sagola; two sons, Rodney (Marion) Johnson of Mansfield Township and Dale (Dee Dee) Johnson of Sagola; grandchildren, Faith (John) Kuzak of Crystal Falls, Jason (Michelle) Johnson of Sagola, David (Heather) Johnson of Kingsford, Kristel Johnson of Madison Heights, and Katie (Ryan) Lorentzen of Maplewood, Minn.; a sister, Marion Johnson of Kingsford; seven great-grandchildren; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Along with his parents and his wife, Elaine, Melvin was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelly Johnson; a brother, Donald Johnson, and his In-laws, Carl and Judith Christianson.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at the United Lutheran Church in Crystal Falls.

Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church.

Rev. David Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory.

Condolences to the family of Melvin Johnson may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services with the arrangements.