Merlyn Johnson

Merlyn Johnson, a lifelong resident of Cannon Falls, passed away at Cannon Rivers Senior Campus of  Cannon Falls on June 18, 2019

Merlyn and his twin brother Merle were born on October 11, 1928 at home in Cannon Falls to Otto and Anna O. (Anderson) Johnson.  He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1947, and then trained as a meat cutter in Faribault, subsequently working for National Tea in Cannon Falls.  He entered the Army National Guard and was stationed at Fort Rucker Alabama, training as a cook for two years.  After the Army, Merlyn went to work for Armour Sales and Distribution in South St. Paul in October 1952, for 32 years, retiring at the age of 55.  He lovingly provided a home for his mother, Anna until 1988.

Merlyn was a member of First English Lutheran Church, the American Legion, and the Masonic Oriental Lodge #34. He also served on the Cannon Falls City Council.

Throughout his life he enjoyed fishing, ice fishing, golfing, playing cards, and bowling.  He enjoyed coffee with his Brewster buddies. Merlyn also provided rides to appointments for many in Cannon Falls, along with delivering meals on wheels.  He enjoyed his retirement years, splitting time between Florida and Minnesota.  He also enjoyed delivering the papers at Twin Rivers with his brother, Ken.

Survivors include his brother, Kenneth and sisters-in-law, Lola Johnson and Joanne Johnson, all of Cannon Falls; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Eddie, Theodore “Ted,” Clarence “Donkey,” Robert, and Merle; and sisters, Florence Cartwright, Doris Egge, and Vivian Quist; and his special friend, Jeanne Walker.

Merlyn was a good-natured person who touched the lives of many, and his memory will always be with us.

Special thank you to Janice and Roger Flaten, Clarice and Mike McNamara, Keith and Betty Lou Johnson, and Brent Johnson for his special memorial gift.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 25 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10-11 a.m., at First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. Interment will be at the Cannon Falls Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to First English Lutheran Church of Cannon Falls or donor’s choice.