John Johnson

John William (Bill) Johnson, Sr., 93, of Duluth passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2012 at Lakeshore Lutheran Home. John William Johnson was born Nov. 30, 1918 in Duluth, the son of Gust and Hannah (Solberg) Johnson. He grew up in Duluth and graduated from Central High School in 1936. After high school, he worked on the ore boats on the Great Lakes. He entered the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He returned to Duluth following the war and worked in the maintance department in the Wolvin Building. John then went to work for Pearson Paint Company. He later owned and operated P & J Paint Company in Lincoln Park from 1953 until retiring in 1986. He married Elsie Peterson on June 30, 1979 in Duluth. He was a member the Lakeside Lodge of Masons, Westend Businessmens Association, and the Elks. He enjoyed cutting firewood and taking care of his yard and garden. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Catherine and son Thomas (Tom) Johnson; step-sons, Daryl and Dennis Peterson. He is survived by his wife, Elsie of Duluth; son, John William Bill (Cynthia) Johnson, Jr. of Richmond, Va.; daughter, Margaret Maggie (Dale) Rahja of Grand Rapids, Minn.; daughters-in-law, Michele Johnson and Barbara Peterson, both of Duluth; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. VISITATION: 10 a.m. Monday, June 11, 2012 until the 11 a.m. funeral service in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East Second Street, Duluth. Burial will take place at Park Hill Cemetery with Military honors by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home (218) 727-3555.