"I remember Melvin very well when my dad, Don "Red Dog" Strayer worked with him at the Burt Coop Elevator. I knew Melvin's son Virgil and my condolences to all the family. My dad just passed away 2 months ago as well."
In loving memory of
Melvin Johnson
June 21, 1923 - May 14, 2013
Melvin Louis Johnson was born June 21, 1923, at Algona, Iowa to Albert and Ada (Ross) Johnson. He was schooled in Algona. On December 24, 1942, Melvin was united in marriage to Marilyn Baer in Algona. He served in the United States Army from 1943 - 1946 and during that time, he attended Fitzsimmons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado for service medical technician training. Melvin was selected to tour on the Victory Bond Train before leaving the service. He received the American Theater Service Medal, EAME Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory medal. Following his discharge, Melvin returned to Burt where he worked construction for several years. For 32 years, he worked at the Burt Co-Op where he was in charge of the feed department. He retired in 1987.
Melvin enjoyed dance roller skating with Marilyn as well as traveling. He had many interests including painting, woodworking, whittling - anything that involved using his hands. His skills were many. Melvin also enjoyed singing country western and gospel music. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Algona and a member of Iowa V.F.W. Post #15016.
Melvin died on Tuesday night, May 14, 2013 at Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona at the age of 89.
Survivors include his wife Marilyn of Burt, his son Larry and wife Janet of Burt, his daughter Diane and husband Terry Brandow of Algona and son Virgel and wife Jan of Burt. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Melvin, two brothers Leslie and Virgil and two sisters Luella Lovery and Edna Richardson.
Tributes
"I will always remember Melvin & Marilyn dancing on roller skates. Melvin was such a pleasant , kind man and he always had time for family functions. we will miss him."
"I am so blessed to have known Melvin, and will always have many memories of growing up next to him in Burt. Melvin always was so kind and always had a smile. Thinking of all of you as you celebrate his life. Monica(Cook) Diggins"