Curtis W. Johnson

Curtis W. Johnson, 90, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota died Friday, January 27, 2012 at Oak Crossing, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Curtis was born on November 19, 1921 in Evergreen Township of Becker County, Minnesota, the son of Helmer and Eloise (Houseman) Johnson. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school, District 53. Curtis graduated from Frazee High School in 1939. He farmed with his parents in Evergreen Township until they moved to California in 1944. Curtis married Dorene Schatschneider on May 1, 1945 in St. Paulchr(39)s Lutheran Church, Evergreen Township. They made their home in Frazee, where Curtis became a partner in Bill and Dellchr(39)s Super Value grocery store. He later worked at the Frazee Gambles Store and Lee Anderson Chevrolet which later became Anderson Bus Company from September 1949 until his retirement on June 1, 1983. After his retirement he drove school bus until 1988. In May of 1989 they moved to Detroit Lakes. Curtis and Dorene enjoyed spending their winters in California, Arizona and Texas. They moved into the Winchester in January of 2003.Curtis entered the Frazee Care Center in 2008. He was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee from 1947 "? 1991 and became a member of Zion Lutheran Church in 1992. Curtis was also a member of the Frazee Lions Club. Curtis enjoyed fixing cars, golf, watching football on TV and driving new school buses back to Frazee from the factory in Ohio. Curtis is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Dorene Johnson of Detroit Lakes, MN; two daughters, Judy Lies of Eau Claire, WI; Candy (Bruce) Harmer of Faribault, MN; one son, Kevin Johnson of Detroit Lakes, MN; five grandchildren, Teri (Alan) Haas, Ryan (Michelle) Leis, Heather Harmer, Jon Harmer and Jason (Laura) Harmer; six great-grandchildren, Allyson and Alex Leis, Hannah, Chloe, Lydia and Daniel Haas; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Lois Schatschneider of Bloomington, MN; numerous nieces and nephews. Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Joe Lies, two brothers, Orris and Emory Johnson.