Gerald T. Johnson Sr.

Gerald T. Johnson Sr., 72, Aberdeen, S.D., died Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, Aberdeen.

Gerald Johnson, son of Theodore "Ted" and Clara (Olsen) Johnson was born Aug. 7, 1937 at Minot, N.D. He graduated from Douglas High School at Douglas, N.D. Gerald married June Freelander on July 27, 1958. Gerald farmed with his dad at Douglas until 1970 when he and June moved to Kulm where they continued to farm. Through ingenuity and need, he invented farm implements. He then had some of these inventions patented in the U.S.A. and Canada. Gerald along with his sons, Jerry and Dean began manufacturing these inventions in December 1981. Johnson Manufacturing became incorporated in 1982.

He was an avid John Deere two-cylinder tractor collector. He enjoyed restoring the tractors. Gerald sold his collection in 2000. In 1985 he earned his private pilot's license and purchased his airplane. He enjoyed flying and giving rides.

Gerald was a member of the Assembly of God Church, Kulm. Gerald served on the Kulm City Council for more than 20 years and Kulm Airport Board for several years. Gerald continued to actively farm until 1994 at which time he rented out the farm land. He then devoted his time to working at Johnson Manufacturing until his death.

Gerald married Glorraine Hansen on July 30, 2004.

Gerald enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Gerald is survived by: his wife, Glorraine Johnson, Aberdeen; four sons, Gerald T. "Jerry" Johnson Jr., Kulm, Dean Johnson (fiancee Rosa) Kulm, Kurt Johnson, Willmar, Minn., Craig Johnson, West Fargo, N.D.; one daughter, Wanda (Carey) Schlecht, Willmar; one stepson, Judd Hansen, Houston, Texas; two stepdaughters, Julie (Clark) Haaland, Minneapolis, Stacey Hansen, Wichita, Kan.; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and four step-grandchildren.

The funeral will be Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church, Kulm.

Burial will be at the Assembly of God Cemetery in Kulm.

Visitation will be today (Sunday) from 1 to 7 p.m. at Dahlstrom Funeral Home, Kulm.