Laverne Arvid Johnson

LaVerne Arvid Johnson, 86, departed to heaven from his Tega Cay, SC home due to illness on January 12, 2020.

Born in Grantsburg, WI, he served in the US Army, worked as a tool & die maker, owned his own sales company and was retired 20+ years. He was very active at Lake Wylie Lutheran Church during his 39 years of membership.

LaVerne also lived in Frederic, WI, Columbia Heights, MN, St Louis Park, MN and Largo, FL.

In 1956 he married JoAnne Wilder and they produced three sons. She died of cancer in 1972. He married Mary Jane Clark in 1974 and they remained a loving couple until his passing.

Vern was an avid hunter, dog lover (Fifi, Snow, Magnum & Jackson must be knocking him over with joy) and voracious reader. He gave his kids baseball, ping-pong, smelting, agate hunting, camping, paper routes, that '69 Volkswagen and the Lindstrom Dairy Queen. He inspired with his legendary work-ethic, self-discipline and love. "Rest in peace Fella."

He was preceded in death by his parents Arvid and Frances Johnson, first wife JoAnne Wilder and sisters Mary Lou Anderson and Norma Jean Branch.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Jane Johnson, three sons; Michael (Margie), Thomas (Jackie) and Rick (Alanna), step-son Chris Clark (Ana) and step-daughter Stephanie Masso, two sisters; Betty (Rick) Richter and Gladys Jablonski, 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.

Cremation has occurred. A memorial service will be held at 11 am on January 18, 2020 at Lake Wylie Lutheran Church. Interment will be at the church. A reception will follow after the service at the church.

Gifts or memorials may be presented in LaVerne's name to Lake Wyle Lutheran Church, 2906 Highway 160 West, Fort Mill, SC 29708, (803) 548-5489.

Palmetto Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. 2049 Carolina Place Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29708, (803) 802-7788.

Memorial messages can be viewed and posted at www.palmettofh.com.

To plant a tree in memory of LaVerne Arvid Johnson, visit the Tribute Store .

Memorial Contribution