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Ray W. Johnson, age 90 of Taylors Falls, died Saturday, June 5, 2010 at Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center in Wyoming with his family by his side.

Ray was born on February 9, 1920 in Almelund to C. Elmer and Anna (Shoberg) Johnson. He was raised in the Almelund area and graduated from North Branch High School. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. Ray served his country during WW II in the U.S. Navy from July 5, 1944 to August 18, 1946 and in the Navy Reserves until January of 1954. He received the WW II Victory Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon and the 60 year American Legion Award. Upon his return from the war Ray worked as a farmer, Veterans Agent, High School Ag Teacher and Insurance Salesman. He married Doris E. Rodmyre on June 16, 1950 at the Palmyra Lutheran Church at Hector, Minnesota. Ray was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed. He served on the church council, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. He also served on the soil conservation board, Federal Land Bank Board and was a Dairy Herd Improvement Association Member. His lifelong interests were many including farming, gardening, painting, traveling, hunting, fishing, photography, writing books and visiting with friends and family.

Ray is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Rachel (Don) Wilcox of Benson, Brian (Lois) of Maplewood, Loren (Twila) of Carlton, Marty (Jody) of Alemlund and Brent (Kristen) of North Branch, 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Joey Wilcox and two sisters, Louise Samuel and Avis Legler.

Memorial service will be Saturday, June 12, from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Almelund with Rev. Brian Bergin officiating. Organist JoAnn Nielsen and pianist will be Pat Remer. Serving as soloists will be three of Ray's grandchildren, Gretchen Johnson, Daniel DeRushia and Benjamin Wilcox.

Visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday June 11 at Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at church. Interment in the church cemetery. Military honors will be provided by North Branch American Legion Post #85.

Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Time of Grace Ministries.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch. Condolences maybe left at grandstrandfh.com.

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