Orvel E. Johnson, age 91, of Cambridge died April 4, 2015 at St. Clare Living Community in Mora. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 11th at Cambridge Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #290 of Cambridge. A private family interment will be in Union Cemetery in Maplewood.
Orvel Emil Johnson was born March 12, 1924 in Barrett, Minnesota to Carl M. and Mathilda (Brandvold) Johnson. Orvel served his country proudly in the US Marine Corps during WWII and was honorably discharged in October 1945. He earned a purple heart for his service after being injured in the line of duty. Two months later he married Myrtle E. Doehling at Arlington Hills Lutheran Church in St. Paul. They resided in St. Paul and Orvel attended business college with the Veteran’s GI Bill. He started working as a bookkeeper and was promoted to several positions in many departments for the State of Minnesota over the years. They had three children: Bonnie, Scott and Kathryn. They were married for 49 years when Myrtle passed away in 1995.
He worked for the State of Minnesota Liquor Control Commission, and the Federal Government for Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and the Rural Electrification Administration in Washington D.C. for many years.
He was a member of the Swedish Male Chorus, Masonic Lodge, VFW and the American Legion. He was Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2003 and spent many hours volunteering.
Orvel had a zest for life and knew how to entertain an entire room with his songs, stories and his personality. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
Orvel E. Johnson passed away on April 4, 2015 at St. Clare Living Community in Mora at the age of 91 years and 23 days. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl Johnson and Mathilda (Brandvold) Johnson Solee, step-father, Randolph Solee, his wife of 49 years, Myrtle (Doehling) Johnson, second wife, Betty (Fabio) Johnson and his great-granddaughter, Savanna Kasey Raye Ford.
Orvel will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Bonnie (Robert) Jobe, son, Ronald Scott Johnson and daughter, Kathryn (Rob) Stone; brother, Earl (Peggy) Johnson; grandchildren; Alissa (John) Edstrom, Jennifer (David) Henthorn, Robert Johnson, Ronald Johnson Jr., Rae Lynn Johnson, Christopher (Meagan) Stone and Samantha Stone; great-grandchildren; Bailey Peterson Ford, Brooke Ford, Gabrielle Ford, Anthony Johnson, Eddie Johnson, John Henthorn, Addyson Henthorn and Angelina Johnson; great-great-grandchildren, Audriana Rodman and Braven Taylor; his special friend, LaVerne Kohn, and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.
I will always remember Orvel as the Swedish Leprechaun of Cambridge. The first time I met him, he handed me a business card and sang me a song. We were friends from that moment on. I loved listening to his stories and marveled at the life he had. Always classy, always well dressed, he is a consummate gentleman, here and in heaven. I will miss you Orvel….
Pops ( Marine Dad) from C-123
You will always be in our hearts. Every time I hear a Irish joke or hear Marines being called to order I will picture you leading the group. You made me feel so loved and part of C-123 family after my dad Gordon’s death. Your e-mails filled my heart with joy and I always looked forward to being together. You made me look good on the dance floor especially with you in your dress blues, and your smile on your face. I can picture you up in heaven guarding heaven’s gates with your fellow Marine family. Love Jo and Tim
Best man I’ve ever met. Bar non. And I’m not young. Cried more tonight than at my own father’s passing. Who was also a ww2 vet. . Proud to say I knew him. God bless him and all that served with him. Condolences to his family.
It was about 9 years ago that I contacted the C123rd website to find out more info about my grandpa’s cousin. Orvel, who was in the same Marine BAR team as my relative, replied and solved a family mystery of sorts for us. We stayed in touch thereafter and eventually got more involved with C123. We were honored to know him and work with him, and many others in his WWII unit, to preserve their unit’s WWII history. He was a character and full of spunk; a cool dude, faithful friend and correspondent. We will miss him dearly!
I miss you so much already great grandpa, I will NEVER forget all of your costumes, songs, jokes, etc. you brought to the table at our family get togethers. I love you to the moon and back! Gone but never forgotten! Miss you gramps. I can already see you entertaining everyone up in heaven :)
We only knew Orvel for a short time. We were neighbors to him and his son Scott. He was a fascinating man. He used to be a member of the Fish Lake Lutheran Church. He had many friends there. We will miss seeing Orvel doing his gardening. It was amazing to see what he was able to accomplish. He was so proud of being a veteran in the Marines. I was amazed when I seen him in his original Marine uniform. His flag flew every day. We will miss you Orvel!!!!!
It was a great honor to be a caregiver for Orvel. We laughed often at my first perception of the “crabby old man in the USMC hat” upon his arrival to St. Clare’s. I loved the stories and the boundless energy exuded by this man to the end. Thanks for letting me a little part of his life. Sincerely, A “Caring Angel” – Robin Janousek
Dear Bonnie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, but happy that you had such a long and happy relationship. I fondly remember finding you again at that St. Paul Schos recognition evening because I recognized both of you, and how proud he was of you and your contributions. Deepest condolences.
Jan
Orvel was an inspiration. I met him online after corresponding with the C123rd website. He first corresponded with me in January 2013. He fought along side my uncle Jack Cotter. They were both wounded in the Pacific Theater on Tinian Island. Orvel sent photos and countless articles. I enjoyed all of his correspondence. He was candid and witty. He always conveyed the spirit of the Marine Corps. His family is in my prayers. Semper Fi my friend.