Harold “Haddy” E. Johnson

Obituary

Harold “Haddy” Edwin Johnson was born on November 3, 1922, in Franklin, Minnesota, the son of Arthur and Minnie (Schipplick) Johnson. He was baptized November 26, 1922, at Franklin, Minnesota, and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Fairfax, Minnesota.  He received his education and graduated from Fairfax High School in 1940.

Haddy enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps on November 6, 1942, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. He served his country as a crew member on a B-24 airplane during World War II. He flew 30 bombing missions over Europe while being stationed in England. He took part in the Air Offensive Europe battle, Normandy battle, Northern France battle, and Rhineland battle. He received the following decorations: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, European-African-Middle Eastern campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Minnesota World War II Veteran Medal, and a Citation from the Government of France. Haddy received an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army Air Corps on October 9, 1945, at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Haddy was united in marriage to Lois Westensee on September 2, 1947, at St. John Lutheran Church in Fairfax, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with three children. Haddy and Lois made their home in Fairfax until 1984. They then moved to a lake near Hackensack, Minnesota, until 1990, then to Amery, Wisconsin until 1992, when they moved back to Fairfax.

Haddy was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Fairfax where he served as a Deacon and usher. He was a rural mail carrier. He worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 39 years retiring in 1984. Haddy was a member of the Fairfax Fire and Rescue for 30 years, and served as chief for a number of years. He also served two terms on the Fairfax City Council. Haddy was active in the American Legion Post 205 and was a Past Commander, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8459. He liked to hunt and fish, especially fishing in Canada with his wife, Lois. Haddy and Lois shared 58 years of marriage before Lois passed away on February 23, 2006.

Early Saturday morning on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2017, Haddy passed away at the Fairfax Community Home, having reached the age of 95 years. Blessed be his memory.

Haddy is survived by his:
Daughters,      Nancy Johnson of New Prague, Minnesota, and
                        Jill Norstrem and her husband Paul of Dresser, Wisconsin;
Three Grandchildren;
Four Great-Grandchildren;
other relatives, and friends.

Haddy was preceded in death by his Wife, Lois, on February 23, 2006; Father, Arthur Johnson; Mother, Minnie Johnson Bossenecker; Son, Steven Johnson; Step-father, Henry Bossenecker; and by his Sister, Mayvis Beene.