Vayden Eil “Eilly” Johnson, the son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth (Sands) Johnson, was born on December 8, 1930, at Greenbush, Minnesota. Eilly grew to manhood in the Strathcona community where he lived and worked on his family farm before entering the Greenbush Nursing home on October 27, 1992 and later LifeCare Medical Center where he passed away on Monday, March 28, 2016 at the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 20 days.
Eilly enjoyed working on the family farm, pulling his nieces and nephews in the wagon, getting the mail, celebrating his birthday, visiting with family and friends, attending social events such as the Northland Threshing Bee & Strathcona Fall Festival, listening to Polka music, eating apple pie, collecting John Deere memorabilia, taking pictures, and playing Superman. Eilly was much loved and admired for his good nature and for how he dealt with life’s struggles. Everyone is welcome to join the family for a celebration of Eilly’s life.
Eilly is survived by his brother Ivan (Jeanelle) Johnson of Holt, MN, his sister Sandra (Arthur) Sumner of Worthington, MN, and his sister-in-law Sandy Johnson of West Fargo, ND.
He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews: Cecily (Thomas) McGlynn, Corey (Nancy) Johnson, KayLynn Wold, Krystal (Curt) McDonald, Kelly (Laurie) Johnson, Karla (Russ) Bischof, Lori (Jeff) Zieser, Daryl Sumner, Paul Sumner, and Karen (Russ) Brannon, along with many other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 brothers: Vaughn & David (in infancy), Gary, and Haven Johnson.
Funeral services were held at 10:00AM, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Grace Evangelical Church in Strathcona, MN. with Pastor Karen Brannon presiding. Cecily McGlynn was the Pianist and vocalist with Donnan Parenteau. Eilly’s Casket Bearers were all of his many nieces and nephews and his Honorary Bearers were all his many friends at LifeCare Greenbush Manor.
A visitation was held Friday evening at Collins Funeral Chapel in Greenbush with a special service at 7PM, and also one hour prior to services at the church.
Interment services were held at Lorenson Cemetery of rural Strathcona.
Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush in charge of arrangements.
