Verdan Johnson

Verdan “Verdie” L. Johnson, 70, of Wabasso, died Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.  Funeral Services will be 1 p.m. on Friday, May 13, at the Sunset Funeral Home in Wabasso.  Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Friday.  Interment with military honors will follow the service at the St. Mathias Cemetery in Wanda.  

Verdan Leland Johnson was born on Sunday, January 27, 1946, to Lester and Ella (Martin) Johnson at New Ulm. He attended Wabasso High School, joined the Army National Guard, and was honorably discharged on March 14, 1971.  Verdie moved to Wabasso in 1955 where he worked hauling milk and bartended at Dick’s Bar in Wabasso for eight years.  He then farmed until his retirement in 2015.  On January 27, 2006, Verdie was united in marriage to Kathleen Weber in Redwood Falls.  Verdie was a member of the Wabasso American Legion and coached women’s softball.  He enjoyed bowling, deer hunting, fishing, loved watching his Minnesota Vikings and Twins, and grilling his specialty, chicken.  He always looked forward to his Friday evenings with local friends.  

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Johnson of Wabasso; sister, Geraldine (Melvin) Peterson of Dandridge, Tennessee; nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ella Johnson.