Verdan "Verdie" L. Johnson

Verdan “Verdie” L. Johnson, 70, of Wabasso, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota. Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM on Friday, May 13, 2016 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. Online condolences may be placed at www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com. The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association is caring for the family. Verdan Leland Johnson was born on Sunday, January 27, 1946 to Lester and Ella (Martin) Johnson at the Union Hospital in New Ulm, Minnesota. He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax and confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Wabasso. 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 8 years. He then farmed until his retirement in 2015. On January 27, 2006, Verdie was united in marriage to Kathleen Weber in Redwood Falls, Minnesota. 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 will be deeply missed by many. On Saturday, May 7, 2016, Verdie passed away at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minnesota at the age of 70 years, 3 months, 10 days. He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Kathy Johnson of Wabasso; sister, Geraldine (Melvin) Peterson of Dandridge, TN; niece, Kristin Weger; nephew, Rick Peterson; grandniece, Katie Weger; grandnephew, Ben Weger; and four sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Ella Johnson. Blessed be his memory.