Alton "Alty" Duane Johnson

Alton D. Johnson, age 77, has laid his electrical tool pouch down for good and gone to be with the true “Light of the World”.

Alton was the youngest of 6 children born to Ed and Anna Johnson in Grafton ND on November 23, 1945. At age2, they moved from Hoople, ND to a farm in rural Detroit Lakes. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1964. That same summer, he met the “spark” of his life, Kathy, while delivering laundry to their business, Pladsen’s Dash Inn, near Dunvilla. His teen years included jobs at Klomstad’s Standard and Deep Rock. On February 4, 1966. Nobody was “shocked” that he was on his way to boot camp in San Diego, CA. he started his electrical career at Port Hueneme, CA-A School. His travels thereafter included two, 8-month deployments to Vietnam. In December of 1968, the song “Homeward Bound” became a reality and on March 22, 1969, the second ring was added to Kathy’s hand. After a brief stay in San Antonio, they moved to McPherson, KS. However, there was a “surge” to return to Detroit Lakes. There he began his 41-year career in electrical work. He was 10 years with Ratz/Mark’s Electric, 21 years teaching the electrical program through the DL Vo-Tech and 10 years with the city of Detroit Lakes. He became a Master Electrician in 1981.

His “flow” of energy was evident in his copious rounds of golf (achieving a hole in one), bowling on several leagues, coaching little league, playing softball in young and not so young leagues, mostly with the Anderson Team. He was a Chevy man – especially the 1950 and enjoyed car races in Glyndon, watching NASCAR, the Vikings and the Twins. Lawn mowing was an enjoyable task for him, making different grass patterns each time with his trusty push mower. His love of flowers and planting them was digging into God’s good earth. He was proud when presented with the Beautification Award. However, a bragger nor boastful man he was not! He was a gentleman and a gentle man.

His faith kept him “grounded” and began at Lund, continued at Grace, and then United Methodist Church. He served on many committees, in many capacities (not capacitors). He served on the Board of Directors at the Detroit Lakes Boy’s Club, was a member of the Eagles and American Legion for over 50 years.

His love for family was evident and they admired, respected and loved him so much in return. Kevin and Kimmery were blessed to have a special Dad, and grandchildren Lauren, Kate, Adam and Thomas enjoyed many Nana & Papa camps and many games of 1-2-3.

There were travels enjoyed-Michigan, Las Vegas, Rhode Island, The family Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, Mississippi, Florida and winter trips to Mesa to visit Gordy and Betty, who always entertained with places to sight see.

Left to celebrate his well lived life are his loving wife Kathy, son Kevin and wife Susie and their daughters Lauren and Kate, and daughter Kim and husband John Glunz and their sons Adam and Thomas. Many cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and special friends.

Those he will join in heaven are his parents, brothers: Doug, Charlie and Gordy; sisters Bev Bulik and Faye Evavold and godson Chris.

His light, love and legacy will live on in our memory.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Red River Valley or United Methodist Church-Detroit Lakes.