Obituaries

Harley E. Johnson, age 82 of North Branch died on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at his residence.

Harley was born on August 29, 1929 in St. Paul to parents, Vivian and Emma (Bethke) Johnson. He attended schools in White Bear Lake where he graduated. He married Margie Orlando on September 23, 1950 at Messiah Lutheran Church in St. Paul. Harley and Margie started Harley’s Sod Farm in 1955 in Roseville and later moved the business to Hugo and when more land was needed they eventually moved the Sod Farm to North Branch. Harley and Margie were members of TPI (Turf Producers International) and were able to travel to many places throughout the world attending the meetings and conventions. Harley was an avid fisherman and hunter. He also like to do woodworking, traveling, fishing trips to Canada and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Harley is survived by his wife, Margie; children, Harlyn Bauernfeind of North Branch; Harley, Jr. (Debi) Johnson of Hugo; Judy (Steve) Remitz of Rush City and Kent (Tammy) Johnson of North Branch; sister Crystal Cardinal; grandchildren, Darci, Derek, Shannon, Harley III, Amy, Adam, Tianna and Ketrina; seven great grandchildren, Kiera, Blake, Brody, Payton, Easton, Justin and Cash and one on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Emma; brother, Curt Johnson and son in law, Neil Bauernfeind.